The House of Godwin: The Rise and Fall of an Anglo-Saxon Dynasty

The most powerful dynasty behind the throne of Anglo-Saxon England, shedding new light on events such as the Battle of Hastings.

The Godwin dynasty dominated English politics for more than forty years. Earl Godwin established himself as Cnut’s most senior advisor, and continued that role under Edward the Confessor, seeing his daughter Edith become queen and his two eldest sons Swegn and Harold given earldoms. After Godwin’s death four of his sons held earldoms, and Harold was to emerge as E...