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Queen Edithc.1024 - after 1066 |
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The daughter of Earl Algar of Mercia. Her grandparents were Earl Leofric of Mercia and Godgyfu, who is known in modern times as Lady Godiva. Edith's father fell out of favor in the mid-1050s and he went into exile in Ireland before forming an alliance with King Gruffydd ap Llywelyn of Gwynedd. Algar and Gryffydd returned to England in 1055, leading to Gruffydd becoming king of all Wales and Algar receiving the earldom of Mercia. Edith was married to Gryffydd as part of their alliance. Edith and Gruffyd had a daughter, Nest, and possibly three sons, Maredudd, Idwal, and Owain. Her husband was killed in 1063 when English Earl Harold invaded Wales. Harold married Edith in an attempt to shore up support for himself in the North, specifically with Edith's brother, Earl Eadwine. In After Hastings, Earl Eadwine was killed at the Battle of Hastings and his brother, Morkere, has replaced him as a power in the North. Edith remains a wife and pawn to Harold, but she retains her loyalty to her own family, serving as their agent in the royal household and letting her animosity for Harold to be known in small ways that may have a far-reaching impact. In addition to her brother, she seeks out her grandmother's guidance in how to handle a husband with whom she disagrees, both politically and religiously, as well as the fact that, although Queen of England and married to Harold, the King has never relinquished his mistress, who is queen in all but name. |
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