EDWIN, EARL OF MERCIA

'Edwin' (died 1071) was the elder brother of Morcar, Earl of Northumbria, son of Ælfgar, Earl of Mercia and grandson of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, Hereward's probable father¹. He succeeded to his father's title and responsibilities on Ælfgar's death in 1062. He appears as Earl Edwin (''Eduin comes'') in the Domesday Book.
His younger brother, Morcar was elected Earl of Northumbria when Tostig Godwinson was ejected by the Northumbrians (October 3 1065). Invading what is now Yorkshire in September, 1066, Harald Hardrada and Tostig defeated the English earls Edwin and Morcar at the Battle of Fulford near York (September 20). Harald and Tostig was in turn defeated and slain by Harold Godwinson's army, five days later at the Battle of Stamford Bridge (September 25).
In 1068, Edwin and Morcar were defeated by William at York. Edwin was the last of the Anglo-Saxon earls of Mercia, being killed early in the Fenland campaign of 1070-71, against William the Conqueror's takeover of England (including his and his family's property).
Edwin's sister, Aldith, had been married to Harold Godwinson until the latter's death at Hastings on October 14 1066.
Edwin's lands centred at Gilling in his brother's Northumbrian earldom, were given to Alan of Brittany in 1071 and the district was renamed to Richmondshire.

★ Note 1: Hereward's family relationships.

Preceded by: 'Ælfgar, Earl of Mercia'

'Edwin, Earl of Mercia'

Followed by redistribution of power in England, under Norman rule