Leofwine, Ealdorman of the Hwicce

Leofwine was appointed Ealdorman of the Hwicce by King Æthelred the Unready of England in 994. The Hwicce was originally a kingdom in the Western Midlands, which later became part of Mercia. Leofwine was the progeny of Ælfwine, with their family roots tracing back to the East Midlands. In the context of ecclesiastical relations, Leofwine and his sons were viewed negatively by the See of Worcester due to land disputes, whereas they were seen as benefactors by religious establishments in the East Midlands.

During Æthelred’s reign, Leofwine administered the regions of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Following King Cnut’s ascension in 1016, these counties were transferred to Danish control, but Leofwine retained his status. It is possible that he succeeded Eadric Streona as Ealdorman of Mercia in 1017. That year, Leofwine’s eldest son Northman was killed on Cnut’s orders. The last record of Leofwine is from 1023 as a witness in charters, and his death likely occurred shortly thereafter. His son Leofric became Earl of Mercia by 1032. Leofwine had two other sons, Edwine and Godwine, with Edwine perishing at the Battle of Rhyd-y-groes in 1039.