Ælfgar of Mercia Earl of Mercia

  General Notes:

ÆLFGAR (-[1062]). The Genealogia Fundatoris of Coventry Monastery names "Algarus tertius" as son of "Leofricus tertius". Florence of Worcester records that he was created Earl of the East Angles in 1053, in succession to Harold, son of Godwin, who had succeeded his father as Earl of Wessex. Florence of Worcester also records that Ælfgar was banished in 1055 by King Edward "without any just cause of offence". 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. 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, the earldom of the East Angles passing to Gyrth, son of Godwin. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that in 1057 he was banished again, but Florence of Worcester states that he forced his restoration in 1058 with the help of Gruffydd and a Norwegian fleet. His death removed from the scene the only potential challenger to Harold Earl of Wessex. Orderic Vitalis records that "Elfgarus comes" had founded "Coventrense cœnobium" and that "Godiova...comitissa" donated "omnem thesaurum suum" to the church.

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: Edwin, Morcar and Ealdgyth.

  Events

• Title: Earl of the East Angles, 1053 To 1057.

• Title: Earl of Mercia, 1058 To 1062.

Ælfgar married Ælfgifu of Mercia, daughter of Morcar of Mercia and Ealdgyth.