Sweyn Godwinson (Old English: Swegen Godwinson) (died 1052), also spelled Swein, was the eldest son of Earl Godwin of Wessex, and brother of Harold II of England.
Contents
Early life
Sweyn is first listed on a royal charter alongside his brother Harold in 1033 that was issued by King Cnut.
In 1043 Sweyn was raised to an earldom which included Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Somerset. He signed his first Royal charter in 1044.
There is some evidence suggesting that Sweyn claimed to be a son of King Canute, but his mother indignantly denied this and brought forth witnesses to his parentage.