Around this time King Canute gave the trusted Godwin the title and role of Earl of Wessex.

King Canute died at Shaftesbury leaving the rule of the country in dispute between Harthacnut (the son of Emma) and Harold Harefoot (the son of Aelfgifu). The Earls of Northumbria and Mercia supported Harold's claim while Earl Godwin supported Harthacanute's. Canute's body was taken to Winchester to be buried. Harthacnut was in Denmark at the time of his father's death and was unable to travel to England because of invasion threats.

With Harthacnut still in Denmark a meeting was held at Oxford that chose Harold to act as regent of England.

Both Edward the Confessor and Alfred, his younger brother, came to England at different times to try and take back the English throne. Edward's attempt failed. Some time later Alfred landed in England believing he had safe conduct but his army was met by Earl Godwin and was massacred. Alfred was captured and blinded. He died shortlly afterwards from his injuries.

Harold Harefoot was proclaimed king of England and Emma was exiled to Bruges. Earl Godwin may have given Harold his support.

After a period in Denmark, Harthacanute returned to England to reclaim the throne of England which had been taken by Harold. Earl Godwin gave Harthacanute his support.

After a long exile at the Norman court Edward the Confessor returned to England. Harthacanute had no wife or heir so had invited Edward to return as Edward had the right to claim the English throne. Edward's right to the throne was not certain and so he enlisted the help of Earl Godwin, who agreed to give his assistance if Edward married his daughter Edith. Edward was accompanied by Robert Champart, the Abbot of Jumieges who would become one of Edwards key councellors. ¹

Edward the Confessor married Edith, the daughter of Earl Godwin. Godwin was then in an extremely powerful position being related to the King of England.

Late in 1050, Eadsige, the archbishop of Canterbury died. The monks of Canterbury favoured Aelric, one of their fellow monks to become the next archbishop and Earl Godwin was approached to help push his appointment through. But King Edward appointed his favourite councellor Robert of Jumieges to the post instead.

An incident occurred when Eustace II Count of Boulogne visited Edward the Confessor, his brother-in-law. The incident occurred in Dover where a fight broke out between the Norman visitors and the locals resulting in the deaths of several people. The area of Dover was under the control of the Godwin family and Edward the Confessor, who blamed the people of Dover for the fight, told Earl Godwin to deal with them. Godwin refused to obey Edward's order and in response Edward raised an army and forced the Godwin family into exile.

Godwin, Earl of Wessex, his son Harold and a large fleet sailed up the Thames to London forcing Edward to reinstate them into their previous positions of power.

Godwin, Earl of Wessex, died and Harold Godwinson inherited his title.

Aelfgar, earl of Mercia was outlawed by the witan. In revenge he built a force and allied himself with Welsh Gruffydd ap Llywelyn. After defeating the King's nephew, Radulf, they attacked Hereford and raided the church killing several canons and taking everything of value leaving the building on fire. The rebels also attacked Leominster. ¹

The sea rose in many places around England and Scotland and an area of land of Kent that belonged to Earl Godwin was covered in sand. The name being corrupted to Goodwin Sands.