EDWARD THE CONFESSOR. 2x5

natives, the ecclesiastical preferments fell often cto the share of the Normans; and as the latterpossessed Edward’s confidence , they had secretlya great influence on public affairs, and excitedthe jealousy of the English, particularly of earlGodwin !o .

This powerful nobleman , besides being dukeor earl of Wessex, had .the counties of Kent andSussex annexed to his government. His eldestson, Sweyn, possessed the same authority in thecounties of Oxford, Berks , Glocester and Here-ford: And Harold, his second son, was duke ofEast-Anglia, and at the same time governor ofEssex. The great authority of this family wassupported by immense possessions and powerfulalliances; and the abilities, as well as ambition,of Godwin himself contributed to render it stillmore dangerous. A prince of greater capacityand vigour than Edward would have found itdifficult to support the dignity of the crownunder such circumstances ; and as the haughtytemper of Godwin made him often forget therespect due to his prince, Edward’s animosityagainst him was grounded on personal as well aspolitical considerations, on recent as well as moreancient injuries. The king, in-pursuance of hisengagements, had indeed married Editha, thedaughter of Godwin 11 ; but this alliance becamea fresh source of enmity between them. Edward’s

W. Malm. p. 80.

” Chron, Sax, p. 157.

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iir.