Edith (fl. 1063)
Edith (fl. 1063)
Queen of the English. Name variations: Aldgyth; Algytha; Eadgyth; Ealdgyth. Flourished around 1063; died after 1070; daughter of Aelfgar or Elfgar, earl of Mercia, and Elfgifu (daughter of Morcar and Ealdgyth); married Griffith also known as Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, ruler of All Wales, around 1050 (killed in 1063); married Harald or Harold II Godwineson (c. 1022–1066), king of the English (r. 1066), in January 1066, in London; children: (first marriage) Nesta Ferch; Maredudd, king of Powys; Ithell; (second marriage) Harold (b. 1066).
In 1063, provoked by Welsh incursions, Harold II Godwineson, king of England, marched against Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, ruler of All Wales. After Gruffydd was killed by his own people, Harold turned the reins of government over to Gruffydd's brothers, Bleddyn and Rhiwallon, who swore fealty oaths to him. Harold then wed Gruffydd's enchanting widow Edith in order to secure the alliance of her brothers, Morcar and Edwin. When Harold died at the Battle of Hastings in October 1066, it was another woman sometimes called Edith, his mistress Edith of the Swan's Neck also known as Eadgyth Swanneshals , who identified his body.