Magnus, son of Harold Godwinson
House: Wessex
Magnus (fl. 1068) was a son of Harold Godwinson, King of England. He was likely driven into exile in Dublin due to the Norman conquest of England. Along with his brothers, he participated in expeditions to south-western England, which were largely unsuccessful. These military efforts may have led to his death.
Magnus's exact birth date is unknown, but it is estimated based on his elder brother's birth in the mid- or late 1040s. His family was influential in Anglo-Saxon England, with his grandfather being Godwin, Earl of Wessex. His mother, Edith Swan-neck, was married to Harold in a manner not recognized by the Church but accepted among the laity. Magnus was likely named after Magnus the Good, King of Norway.
Following the defeat of Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, Magnus's family faced challenges. His grandmother Gytha attempted to consolidate power in the south-west of England but was besieged by William the Conqueror. Magnus and his brothers possibly joined her in resistance before fleeing to an island in the Bristol Channel.
Magnus may have died during a raid in south-west England, possibly at the Battle of Bleadon. There is no further explicit mention of him in contemporary sources.
Notable events
- 1066Harold Godwinson defeated at the Battle of Hastings.
- 1068Magnus likely exiled to Dublin after the Norman conquest of England.
- 1068Participated in expeditions to south-western England with little success.
- 1068Family retreated to south-west England; Gytha besieged in Exeter by William.
- 1068Magnus and family possibly escaped to an island in the Bristol Channel.
- 1068Magnus's brother Godwin in Dublin under King Diarmait's protection.
- 1068Magnus and brothers launched a raid from Dublin to the Bristol Channel.
- 1068Raided areas around the river Avon and attacked Bristol unsuccessfully.
- 1068Fought a battle at Bleadon; Eadnoth the Staller killed, possibly Magnus too.
- 1069Two unnamed sons of Harold made a second raid on south-west England.
Other details
Death: Magnus likely died during a raid in south-west England, possibly at the Battle of Bleadon.
Children: 0
Parents: Harold Godwinson, Edith Swan-neck