died 31 August or 30 September 1057
Leofric of Mercia founded monasteries at Coventry and Much Wenlock and was a very powerful earl under King Cnut and his successors. He was the husband of Godgifu, upon whom the Lady Godiva legend is based. Leofric was the son of Leofwine, Ealdorman of the Hwicce, and had three brothers: Northman, Edwin, and Godwine.
Leofric became Earl of Mercia some time before 1032, making him one of the most powerful men in England. He supported Harold Harefoot during the succession crisis with his half-brother Harthacnut. After Harthacnut's death in 1042, Leofric supported Edward the Confessor, and in 1051, he and Earl Siward of Northumbria gathered an army to support Edward against Earl Godwin.
Leofric died at his estate at Kings Bromley in Staffordshire on 30 September 1057, according to the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, while the chronicler of Worcester gives the date as 31 August 1057. He was buried in Coventry at St Mary's Priory and Cathedral. Leofric was succeeded by his son Ælfgar as earl.
Death: Died in 1057; buried in Coventry at St Mary's Priory and Cathedral.
Children: Son Ælfgar
Marriages: Godgifu
Parents: Leofwine, unknown