3.2 The House of Godwins

Question 1

Who were the Godwins?

Answer 1

A powerful ruling family in Norman and Anglo-Saxon England, controlling a large area of England.

Question 2

Who were the most important members of the Godwin Family?

Answer 2

• Earl Godwin => Wessex was his earldom, Father in law to Kind Edward, and related to King Cnut through wife, Gytha
• Harold Godwinson => given earldom of Wessex after father died
• Tostig

Question 3

How did the Godwin’s rise in power?

Answer 3

• Became powerful under Cnut
• Major landowners
• Marriage of Edith (daughter) to Edward gave direct links to throne
• Harold (son) became sub-regulus under Edward

Question 4

When did the Godwins rebel?

Answer 4

1051

Question 5

Why did the Godwins rebel?

Answer 5

As he was unhappy with Edward’s favouritism to Norman friends to whom he gave many positions in his court => unpopular among all AS earls.

Question 6

What happened because of the rebellion?

Answer 6

The rebellion was defeated with the aid of the Duke of Normandy and the earls of Northumbria and Mercia. Edward exiled the Godwins from England.

Question 7

How did the Godwins return?

Answer 7

Less than a year after their departure, they arrived back in England with an army so large that Edward was unable to prevent their return.

Question 8

When did Godwin die? What had happened by this point?

Answer 8

By the time Godwin died in 1053, his family had restored its power and influence.

Question 9

What happened to Tostig? (4)

Answer 9

• Tostig became Earl of Northumbria
• He was a harsh and unpopular leader and the nobles of Northumbria launched a rebellion against Tostig in 1065
• Harold persuaded King Edward to agree to the Northumbrian demands and remove Tostig as Earl
• Tostig was exiled and felt his brother had betrayed him