Leofwine, Earldoman of the Hwicce

Leofwine was appointed Ealdorman of the Hwicce by King Æthelred the Unready in 994. His jurisdiction included the areas of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, which were part of the Hwicce territory, a former kingdom in the Western Midlands. Leofwine was the son of Ælfwine, and his family likely originated from the East Midlands. The See of Worcester viewed Leofwine and his sons as spoliators of church land, while religious establishments in the East Midlands considered them benefactors.

Leofwine's position was affected when King Cnut gave Worcestershire and Gloucestershire to the Danes after taking the throne in 1016. Leofwine retained his rank and may have become Ealdorman of Mercia in 1017, following Eadric Streona. He is last recorded in charters in 1023, suggesting he died soon after. His son Leofric succeeded him as Earl of Mercia by 1032.