Alfgar, Earl of Mercia

Please see Darrell Wolcott: The Shropshire Walcot Family- Chart III: First Powys Dynasty; http://www.ancientwalesstudies.org/id98.html. (Steven Ferry, May 17, 2020.)

Please see Darrell Wolcott: The 1039 Battle at Rhyd y Groes; http://www.ancientwalesstudies.org/id211.html. (Steven Ferry, June 3, 2020.)

Please see Darrell Wolcott: Edwin of Tegeingl and His Family - The Ancestry of Edwin of Tegeingl; http://www.ancientwalesstudies.org/id42.html. (Steven Ferry, June 5, 2020.)

Please see Darrell Wolcott: The Consorts and Children of Gruffudd ap Llewelyn; http://www.ancientwalesstudies.org/id210.html. (Steven Ferry, July 22, 2020.)

Please see Darrell Wolcott; The First Wife of Bleddyn ap Cynfyn; http://www.ancientwalesstudies.org/id148.html. (Steven Ferry, July 23, 2020.)

Ælfgar of Mercia, son of Leofric and Godgifu (Lady Godiva)

Married Ælfgifu, daughter of Morcar

Three children:

1. Edwin

2. Morcar

3. Ealdgyth

Married secondly a daughter of Gruffydd ap Llywellyn, no children

ÆLFGAR (-[1062]). The Genealogia Fundatoris of Coventry Monastery names “Algarus tertius” as son of “Leofricus tertius”[236]. Florence of Worcester records that he was created Earl of the East Angles in 1053, in succession to Harold Godwinson who had succeeded his father as Earl of Wessex[237]. Florence of Worcester also records that Ælfgar was banished in 1055 by King Edward "without any just cause of offence"[238]. He went to Ireland, then to Wales where he allied himself with Gruffydd ap Llywellyn King of Gwynedd and Powys, and invaded England, sacking Hereford in Oct 1055[239]. He was reinstated in 1056 when Gruffydd accepted Edward's overlordship. Florence of Worcester records that Ælfgar was appointed to succeed his father in 1057 as Earl of Mercia[240], the earldom of the East Angles passing to Gyrth Godwinsson. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that in 1057 he was banished again[241], but Florence of Worcester states that he forced his restoration in 1058 with the help of Gruffydd and a Norwegian fleet[242]. His death removed from the scene the only potential challenger to Harold Godwinson Earl of Wessex.

m firstly ÆLFGIFU, daughter of MORCAR & his wife Ealdgyth ---. The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified.

m secondly ([1058]) --- of Gwynedd, daughter of GRUFFYDD ap Llywellyn Prince of Gwynedd and Powys & his first wife ---. The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. Earl Ælfgar & his first wife had three children:

a) EDWIN (-killed 1071). The Genealogia Fundatoris of Coventry Monastery names “Edwinum et Morcar postea comites” as sons of “Algarus tertius”[243]. He succeeded his father in 1062 as Earl of Mercia. With support from his brother, he expelled Tostig Godwinsson from Lindsay in 1066. John of Worcester records that they at first supported the claim of Edgar Atheling to succeed Harold II as King of England after the battle of Hastings, but soon withdrew their armies and swore allegiance to King William I at Berkhamsted[244]. Florence of Worcester records that "…comites Edwinum et Morkarum…" went with King William to Normandy 21 Feb [1067][245]. They rebelled against William in 1068, leaving court for Yorkshire, but were soon brought to submission. Orderic Vitalis says that the rebellion was triggered because King William broke his promise to give his daughter in marriage to Edwin[246], and in a later passage that Edwin was killed by his servants while on his way to relieve his brother in Ely[247]. Florence of Worcester records that "comites Edwinus et Morkarus" rebelled against King William in [1071], and that Edwin was killed[248].

b) MORCAR (-after 1087). The Genealogia Fundatoris of Coventry Monastery names “Edwinum et Morcar postea comites” as sons of “Algarus tertius”[249]. Snorre names “Earl Morukare”, although stating that he was the son of “Earl Gudin Ulfnadson” and “Earl Ulf´s sister Gyda”[250]. He was chosen by the Northumbrians as Earl of Northumbria in 1065 to replace Tostig, son of Godwin Earl of Wessex. With support from his brother, he expelled Tostig Godwinsson from Lindsay in 1066.

John of Worcester records that they at first supported the claim of Edgar Atheling to succeed Harold II as King of England after the battle of Hastings, but soon withdrew their armies and swore allegiance to King William I at Berkhamsted[251]. Florence of Worcester records that "…comites Edwinum et Morkarum…" went with King William to Normandy 21 Feb [1067][252]. They rebelled against William in 1068, leaving court for Yorkshire, but were soon brought to submission. Orderic Vitalis states that Morcar joined the resistance at Ely in 1071[253], but surrendered to the king. Florence of Worcester records that "comites Edwinus et Morkarus" rebelled against King William in [1071], and that "Morkarus…et Siwardus cognomento Barn" took refuge in Ely[254]. Florence of Worcester records that "comites Morkarum et Rogerum, Siwardum cognomento Barn, et Wlnothum regis Haroldi germanum" were released by King William on his deathbed in 1087[255]. He was taken to England by King William II but placed in confinement again in Winchester.

c) EALDGYTH. Florence of Worcester´s genealogies name "regina Aldgitha, comitis Ælfgari filia" as mother of King Harold´s son "Haroldum"[256]. Orderic Vitalis records that "Edwinus…et Morcarus comites, filii Algari…Edgivam sororem eorum" married firstly "Gritfridi…regis Guallorum" and secondly "Heraldo"[257]. Her parentage and marriage to King Harold are confirmed by Florence of Worcester who records that "earls Edwin and Morcar…sent off their sister Queen Elgitha to Chester" after the battle of Hastings[258].

m firstly as his second wife, GRUFFYDD ap Llywellyn Prince of Gwynedd and Powys, son of LLYWELLYN ap Seisyll King of Gwynedd & his wife Angharad of Gwynedd (-killed Snowdonia 5 Aug 1063).

m secondly ([1064/early 1066][259]%29 HAROLD Godwinson, son of GODWIN Earl of Wessex & his wife Gytha of Denmark ([1022/25]-killed in battle Hastings 14 Oct 1066, bur [Waltham Abbey]). He succeeded in 1066 as HAROLD II King of England.

http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/ENGLAND,%20AngloSaxon%20nobility.ht...

----------------------------------

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%86lfgar,_Earl_of_Mercia

Ælfgar (died c.1062) was son of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, possibly by his well-known wife Godgifu (Lady Godiva), although more probably by an earlier marriage. He succeeded to his father's title and responsibilities on the latter's death in 1057.

Ælfgar gained from the exile of Earl Godwin of Wessex and his sons in 1051. He was given the Earldom of East Anglia, which had been that of Harold, son of Godwin. Earl Godwin and King Edward were reconciled the following year, so Harold was restored to his earldom - but not for long. At Easter 1053 Godwin died, so Harold became Earl of Wessex, and the earldom of East Anglia returned to Ælfgar. [1],[2]

Ælfgar seems to have learned from the tactics Godwin used to put pressure on King Edward. When he was himself exiled in 1055, he raised a fleet of 18 ships in Ireland and then turned to Wales, where King Gruffydd agreed to join forces with him against King Edward. Two miles from Hereford, on 24 October, they clashed with the army of the Earl of Herefordshire, Ralph the Timid. The Earl and his men eventually took flight, and Gruffydd and Ælfgar pursued them, killing and wounding as they went, and enacting savage reprisals on Hereford. They despoiled and burnt the town, killing many of its citizens. King Edward ordered an army mustered and put Earl Harold in charge of it. This was more formidable opposition, and Ælfgar and Gruffydd fled to South Wales. However the issue was resolved by diplomacy and Earl Ælfgar was reinstated.[3]

He married Aelfgifu, and was succeeded as Earl of Mercia by his eldest son by her, Edwin (also called Eadwine). His second son, Morcar (also called Morkere) was elected Earl of Northumbria when Tostig Godwinson was ejected by the Northumbrians. His daughter, Edith (Aldgyth) married firstly the Welsh prince Gruffyd (kd. 1063), by whom she had three children, and secondly 1064 Harold Godwinson (kd 1066 Hastings), by whom she had a posthumous son, Harold (died 1098).

Notes

  1. ^ Ann Williams, ‘Ælfgar, earl of Mercia (d. 1062?)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 , accessed 18 April 2008

2. ^ The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
3. ^ The Chronicle of John of Worcester ed. and trans. R.R. Darlington, P. McGurk and J. Bray (Clarendon Press: Oxford 1995), pp.576-79; The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

Ælfgar, Earl of Mercia

Ælfgar (died c.1062) was son of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, possibly by his well-known wife Godgifu (Lady Godiva), although more probably by an earlier marriage. He succeeded to his father's title and responsibilities on the latter's death in 1057.

Ælfgar gained from the exile of Earl Godwin of Wessex and his sons in 1051. He was given the Earldom of East Anglia, which had been that of Harold, son of Godwin. Earl Godwin and King Edward were reconciled the following year, so Harold was restored to his earldom - but not for long. At Easter 1053 Godwin died, so Harold became Earl of Wessex, and the earldom of East Anglia returned to Ælfgar. [1],[2]

Ælfgar seems to have learned from the tactics Godwin used to put pressure on King Edward. When he was himself exiled in 1055, he raised a fleet of 18 ships in Ireland and then turned to Wales, where King Gruffydd agreed to join forces with him against King Edward. Two miles from Hereford, on 24 October, they clashed with the army of the Earl of Herefordshire, Ralph the Timid. The Earl and his men eventually took flight, and Gruffydd and Ælfgar pursued them, killing and wounding as they went, and enacting savage reprisals on Hereford. They despoiled and burnt the town, killing many of its citizens. King Edward ordered an army mustered and put Earl Harold in charge of it. This was more formidable opposition, and Ælfgar and Gruffydd fled to South Wales. However the issue was resolved by diplomacy and Earl Ælfgar was reinstated.[3]

He married Aelfgifu, and was succeeded as Earl of Mercia by his eldest son by her, Edwin (also called Eadwine). His second son, Morcar (also called Morkere) was elected Earl of Northumbria when Tostig Godwinson was ejected by the Northumbrians. His daughter, Edith (Aldgyth) married firstly the Welsh prince Gruffyd (kd. 1063), by whom she had three children, and secondly 1064 Harold Godwinson (kd 1066 Hastings), by whom she had a posthumous son, Harold (died 1098).

Notes

  1. ^ Ann Williams, ‘Ælfgar, earl of Mercia (d. 1062?)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 , accessed 18 April 2008

2. ^ The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
3. ^ The Chronicle of John of Worcester ed. and trans. R.R. Darlington, P. McGurk and J. Bray (Clarendon Press: Oxford 1995), pp.576-79; The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

Ælfgar (died c.1062) was son of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, possibly by his well-known wife Godgifu (Lady Godiva), although more probably by an earlier marriage. He succeeded to his father's title and responsibilities on the latter's death in 1057.

Ælfgar gained from the exile of Earl Godwin of Wessex and his sons in 1051. He was given the Earldom of East Anglia, which had been that of Harold, son of Godwin. Earl Godwin and King Edward were reconciled the following year, so Harold was restored to his earldom - but not for long. At Easter 1053 Godwin died, so Harold became Earl of Wessex, and the earldom of East Anglia returned to Ælfgar. [1],[2]

Ælfgar seems to have learned from the tactics Godwin used to put pressure on King Edward. When he was himself exiled in 1055, he raised a fleet of 18 ships in Ireland and then turned to Wales, where King Gruffydd agreed to join forces with him against King Edward. Two miles from Hereford, on 24 October, they clashed with the army of the Earl of Herefordshire, Ralph the Timid. The Earl and his men eventually took flight, and Gruffydd and Ælfgar pursued them, killing and wounding as they went, and enacting savage reprisals on Hereford. They despoiled and burnt the town, killing many of its citizens. King Edward ordered an army mustered and put Earl Harold in charge of it. This was more formidable opposition, and Ælfgar and Gruffydd fled to South Wales. However the issue was resolved by diplomacy and Earl Ælfgar was reinstated.[3]

He married Aelfgifu, and was succeeded as Earl of Mercia by his eldest son by her, Edwin (also called Eadwine). His second son, Morcar (also called Morkere) was elected Earl of Northumbria when Tostig Godwinson was ejected by the Northumbrians. His daughter, Edith (Aldgyth) married firstly the Welsh prince Gruffyd (kd. 1063), by whom she had three children, and secondly 1064 Harold Godwinson (kd 1066 Hastings), by whom she had a posthumous son, Harold (died 1098).

Ælfgar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ælfgar (died 1062) was son of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, possibly by his well-known wife Godgifu (Godiva), although more probably by an earlier marriage. He succeeded to his father's title and responsibilities on the latter's death in 1057.

Ælfgar gained from the exile of Earl Godwin of Wessex and his sons in 1051. He was given the Earldom of East Anglia, which had been that of Harold, son of Godwin. Earl Godwin and King Edward were reconciled the following year, so Harold was restored to his earldom - but not for long. At Easter 1053 Godwin died, so Harold became Earl of Wessex, and the earldom of East Anglia returned to Ælfgar.[1]

Ælfgar seems to have learned from the tactics Godwin used to put pressure on King Edward. When he was himself exiled in 1055, he raised a fleet of 18 ships in Ireland and then turned to Wales, where King Gruffydd agreed to join forces with him against King Edward. Two miles from Hereford, on 24 October, they clashed with the army of the Earl of Herefordshire, Ralph the Timid. The Earl and his men eventually took flight, and Gruffydd and Ælfgar pursued them, killing and wounding as they went, and enacting savage reprisals on Hereford. They despoiled and burnt the town, killing many of its citizens. King Edward ordered an army mustered and put Earl Harold in charge of it. This was more formidable opposition, and Ælfgar and Gruffydd fled to South Wales. However the issue was resolved by diplomacy and Earl Ælfgar was reinstated.[2]

He married Aelfgifu, daughter of Sigeferth, Thegn of the Seven Boroughs and Ealgyth of Mercia.

Ælfgar was succeeded as Earl of Mercia by his eldest son, Edwin (also called Eadwine). His second son, Morcar (also called Morkere) was elected Earl of Northumbria when Tostig Godwinson was ejected by the Northumbrians. His third son was Burchard.

His daughter, Edith (Aldgyth) married firstly the Welsh prince Gruffyd (kd. 1063), and secondly 1066 Harold Godwinson (kd 1066 Hastings). She had issue by each husband.

Ælfgar, Earl of Mercia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ælfgar Earl of Mercia and Lord of Coventry Reign 1057 - 1062 AD Predecessor Leofric, Earl of Mercia Successor Eadwyne, Earl of Mercia Spouse(s) Ælfgifu

Issue Eadwyne Morcar, Earl of Northumbria Burgheard of Mercia Edith of Mercia Father Leofric Mother Godiva Born c.1000 Died 1062 AD

Ælfgar (died c. 1062) was the son of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, by his well-known wife Godgifu (Lady Godiva).[1] He succeeded to his father's title and responsibilities on the latter's death in 1057.

Ælfgar gained from the exile of Earl Godwin of Wessex and his sons in 1051. He was given the Earldom of East Anglia, which had been that of Harold, son of Godwin. Earl Godwin and King Edward were reconciled the following year, so Harold was restored to his earldom—but not for long. At Easter 1053 Godwin died, so Harold became Earl of Wessex, and the earldom of East Anglia returned to Ælfgar.[2][3]

Ælfgar seems to have learned from the tactics Godwin used to put pressure on King Edward. When he was himself exiled in 1055, he raised a fleet of 18 ships in Ireland and then turned to Wales, where King Gruffydd agreed to join forces with him against King Edward. Two miles from Hereford, on 24 October, they clashed with the army of the Earl of Herefordshire, Ralph the Timid. The Earl and his men eventually took flight, and Gruffydd and Ælfgar pursued them, killing and wounding as they went, and enacting savage reprisals on Hereford. They despoiled and burnt the town, killing many of its citizens. King Edward ordered an army mustered and put Earl Harold in charge of it. This was more formidable opposition, and Ælfgar and Gruffydd fled to South Wales. However the issue was resolved by diplomacy and Earl Ælfgar was reinstated.[4]

Ælfgar is known to have had at least four children. One son, Burgheard, predeceased his father, expiring while returning from Rome early in 1061 and was buried at Reims.[5] This led Ælfgar to give to Reims Abbey lands in Staffordshire and Shropshire, which became the endowment for Lapley Priory. He was survived by three children, two sons, Edwin, later Earl of Mercia, and Morcar, later Earl of Northumbria, and a daughter Ealdgyth, who was first married to Welsh king Gruffydd ap Llywelyn and later to Harold Godwinson, King of England.[2] Notes

   Patrick W. Montague-Smith Letters: Godiva's family tree The Times, 25 January 1983

   Ann Williams, ‘Ælfgar, earl of Mercia (d. 1062?)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 , accessed 18 April 2008

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

   The Chronicle of John of Worcester ed. and trans. R. R. Darlington, P. McGurk and J. Bray (Clarendon Press: Oxford 1995), pp.576-79; The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

   Baxter, Stephen (2008), "The death of Burgheard son of Ælfgar and its context", in Fouracre, Paul; Ganz, David, Frankland. The Franks and the world of the Early Middle Ages. Essays in honour of Dame Jinty Nelson, Manchester University Press, pp. 266–284, ISBN 978-0-7190-7669-5

Preceded by Leofric Earl of Mercia 1057–1062 Succeeded by Edwin Preceded by Harold Godwinson Earl of East Anglia 1053–1057 Succeeded by Gyrth Godwinson [hide]

   v

   t

   e

Lady Godiva Family

   Leofric, Earl of Mercia (husband)

   Ælfgar, Earl of Mercia (son)

Film

   Lady Godiva of Coventry (1955)

   Lady Godiva: Back in the Saddle (2007)

   Lady Godiva (2008)

Variations

   Isabeau (opera)

   "Godiva" (poem)

   "The Seven Lady Godivas" (book)

Songs

   "Lady Godiva" (1966)

   "Lady Godiva's Operation" (1968)

Other

   Lady Godiva in popular culture

   Godiva Procession

   Lady Godiva Rides Again

   The Ghost Talks

   The Godiva Affair

Categories:

   1030 births

   1062 deaths

   Earls of Mercia

   Earls of East Anglia

Reigned from 1057 to 1062. Predecessor: Leofric; Successor: Eadwyne, son.

Ælfgar, Earl of Mercia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ælfgar Earl of Mercia and Lord of Coventry Reign 1057 - 1062 AD Predecessor Leofric, Earl of Mercia Successor Eadwyne, Earl of Mercia Spouse(s) Ælfgifu

Issue Eadwyne Morcar, Earl of Northumbria Burgheard of Mercia Edith of Mercia Father Leofric Mother Godiva Born c.1000 Died 1062 AD

Ælfgar (died c. 1062) was the son of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, by his well-known wife Godgifu (Lady Godiva).[1] He succeeded to his father's title and responsibilities on the latter's death in 1057.

Ælfgar gained from the exile of Earl Godwin of Wessex and his sons in 1051. He was given the Earldom of East Anglia, which had been that of Harold, son of Godwin. Earl Godwin and King Edward were reconciled the following year, so Harold was restored to his earldom—but not for long. At Easter 1053 Godwin died, so Harold became Earl of Wessex, and the earldom of East Anglia returned to Ælfgar.[2][3]

Ælfgar seems to have learned from the tactics Godwin used to put pressure on King Edward. When he was himself exiled in 1055, he raised a fleet of 18 ships in Ireland and then turned to Wales, where King Gruffydd agreed to join forces with him against King Edward. Two miles from Hereford, on 24 October, they clashed with the army of the Earl of Herefordshire, Ralph the Timid. The Earl and his men eventually took flight, and Gruffydd and Ælfgar pursued them, killing and wounding as they went, and enacting savage reprisals on Hereford. They despoiled and burnt the town, killing many of its citizens. King Edward ordered an army mustered and put Earl Harold in charge of it. This was more formidable opposition, and Ælfgar and Gruffydd fled to South Wales. However the issue was resolved by diplomacy and Earl Ælfgar was reinstated.[4]

Ælfgar is known to have had at least four children. One son, Burgheard, predeceased his father, expiring while returning from Rome early in 1061 and was buried at Reims.[5] This led Ælfgar to give to Reims Abbey lands in Staffordshire and Shropshire, which became the endowment for Lapley Priory. He was survived by three children, two sons, Edwin, later Earl of Mercia, and Morcar, later Earl of Northumbria, and a daughter Ealdgyth, who was first married to Welsh king Gruffydd ap Llywelyn and later to Harold Godwinson, King of England.[2] Notes

   Patrick W. Montague-Smith Letters: Godiva's family tree The Times, 25 January 1983

   Ann Williams, ‘Ælfgar, earl of Mercia (d. 1062?)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 , accessed 18 April 2008

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

   The Chronicle of John of Worcester ed. and trans. R. R. Darlington, P. McGurk and J. Bray (Clarendon Press: Oxford 1995), pp.576-79; The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

   Baxter, Stephen (2008), "The death of Burgheard son of Ælfgar and its context", in Fouracre, Paul; Ganz, David, Frankland. The Franks and the world of the Early Middle Ages. Essays in honour of Dame Jinty Nelson, Manchester University Press, pp. 266–284, ISBN 978-0-7190-7669-5

Preceded by Leofric Earl of Mercia 1057–1062 Succeeded by Edwin Preceded by Harold Godwinson Earl of East Anglia 1053–1057 Succeeded by Gyrth Godwinson [hide]

   v

   t

   e

Lady Godiva Family

   Leofric, Earl of Mercia (husband)

   Ælfgar, Earl of Mercia (son)

Film

   Lady Godiva of Coventry (1955)

   Lady Godiva: Back in the Saddle (2007)

   Lady Godiva (2008)

Variations

   Isabeau (opera)

   "Godiva" (poem)

   "The Seven Lady Godivas" (book)

Songs

   "Lady Godiva" (1966)

   "Lady Godiva's Operation" (1968)

Other

   Lady Godiva in popular culture

   Godiva Procession

   Lady Godiva Rides Again

   The Ghost Talks

   The Godiva Affair

Categories:

   1030 births

   1062 deaths

   Earls of Mercia

   Earls of East Anglia

Alfgar III "The Saxon" Gruffydd Malet of East Anglia, Earl of Mercia (292,1071)

• Birth Chester, Cheshire, England (Mercia)
• Birth Mercia, England (1847,89,348)
• Death abt 1059/1063, Mercia, England (87,193,18,89)
• Burial 1059, Coventry, Warwick, England (1847)
• Father Leofric III Malet ap Gruffydd of Mercia Earl of Mercia (0978-1057)
• Mother Lady Godiva Countess of Mercia (~0980-1067)

Married 1) Lucia of Mercia, daughter of William l Malet 2) Elgiva of Mercia, daughter of William l Malet

• http://childsfamily.com/reunion/PS13/PS13_380.HTM

  ---

  
  

Ælfgâr was the son of Leofric, earl of Mercia, and Godgifu (Godiva). He married, perhaps in the late 1020s, Ælfgifu, probably a kinswoman of Cnut's first wife, Ælfgifu of Northampton. Her known lands lay in the east midlands and East Anglia, and in the 1040s Ælfgâr attested an East Anglian will at the head of the Essex witnesses (AS chart., S 1531). These connections perhaps explain why he was given the earldom of East Anglia, first during the exile of Harold Godwineson in 1051–2, and again after Harold succeeded to Wessex in 1053. In 1055 he was outlawed for treason; the E text of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle alleges his guilt but the other texts regard him as at most mildly culpable. Perhaps Ælfgar was alarmed at the appointment of Tostig Godwineson, rather than Waltheof, Earl Siward's heir, as earl of Northumbria, and feared that he too might be displaced when his father died. He raised troops in Ireland, and, in alliance with the Welsh king, Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, attacked Hereford. The local levies were overwhelmed and the city sacked, and Earl Harold had to collect a force from ‘very nearly all England’ (ASC, s.a. 1055, text C) to drive the invaders back into Wales. A peace was concluded on terms noticeably favourable to Ælfgâr, who was reinstated. In 1057 he succeeded to Mercia on his father's death; East Anglia passed to Harold's brother Gyrth. Ælfgâr's second exile, in 1058, must be seen against the continuing rise of the Godwinesons, for by now Harold had received not only Wessex but Hereford too, after the death of Earl Ralph in 1057. Ælfgâr again allied with Gruffudd, now husband of his daughter Ealdgyth and was reinstated once more. In 1062 he supported the election of Wulfstan as bishop of Worcester, but is not heard of thereafter. He was probably dead before Harold launched his successful campaign against Gruffudd in 1063, for he would surely have tried to help his son-in-law had he been living.

Ælfgar (died c.1062) was son of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, possibly by his well-known wife Godgifu (Lady Godiva), although more probably by an earlier marriage. He succeeded to his father's title and responsibilities on the latter's death in 1057.

Ælfgar gained from the exile of Earl Godwin of Wessex and his sons in 1051. He was given the Earldom of East Anglia, which had been that of Harold, son of Godwin. Earl Godwin and King Edward were reconciled the following year, so Harold was restored to his earldom - but not for long. At Easter 1053 Godwin died, so Harold became Earl of Wessex, and the earldom of East Anglia returned to Ælfgar.

Ælfgar seems to have learned from the tactics Godwin used to put pressure on King Edward. When he was himself exiled in 1055, he raised a fleet of 18 ships in Ireland and then turned to Wales, where King Gruffydd agreed to join forces with him against King Edward. Two miles from Hereford, on 24 October, they clashed with the army of the Earl of Herefordshire, Ralph the Timid. The Earl and his men eventually took flight, and Gruffydd and Ælfgar pursued them, killing and wounding as they went, and enacting savage reprisals on Hereford. They despoiled and burnt the town, killing many of its citizens. King Edward ordered an army mustered and put Earl Harold in charge of it. This was more formidable opposition, and Ælfgar and Gruffydd fled to South Wales. However the issue was resolved by diplomacy and Earl Ælfgar was reinstated.

He married Aelfgifu, and was succeeded as Earl of Mercia by his eldest son by her, Edwin (also called Eadwine). His second son, Morcar (also called Morkere) was elected Earl of Northumbria when Tostig Godwinson was ejected by the Northumbrians. His daughter, Edith (Aldgyth) married firstly the Welsh prince Gruffyd (kd. 1063), by whom she had three children, and secondly 1064 Harold Godwinson (kd 1066 Hastings), by whom she had a posthumous son, Harold (died 1098).