Leofwine Godwinson

Leofwine Godwinson was born around 1035 and was the fifth son of Earl Godwin, becoming a younger brother of King Harold Godwinson. In 1051, when the Godwin family faced exile from England, he accompanied Harold to Ireland, finding refuge with Diarmait mac Máel na mBó, the King of Leinster. He is believed to have returned to England with his family in 1052, although he was not present when his father passed away in April 1053.

After the death of Earl Godwin, the Godwinson family maintained their power in England. Harold became the Earl of Wessex, holding a position of significant influence, second only to the king. Between 1055 and 1057, Leofwine was granted the title of Earl of Kent, along with other earldoms, which included Essex, Middlesex, Hertford, Surrey, and likely Buckinghamshire. The Godwinson brothers, including Leofwine and Gyrth, who held earldoms in East Anglia, Cambridgeshire, and Oxfordshire, effectively controlled the entirety of East England. Leofwine’s life came to an end at the Battle of Hastings, where he fought and died with his brothers Harold and Gyrth.