Earl Odda

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Earl Odda, also known as Odda of Deerhurst, was an English aristocrat. In 1051, following the exile of Godwin, Earl of Wessex and his sons and the confiscation of their property and earldoms, King Edward the Confessor appointed Odda as earl over a portion of the vacated territory. This earldom comprised Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. Odda was one of the commanders of a fleet which was sent out in 1052 to patrol against any attempt by the exiles to return. However, Godwin and his sons nevertheless succeeded in reaching England, raising an army and compelling the king to revoke their exile and restore their lands and earldoms to them. Thus Odda was deprived of his earldom within months of receiving it.[1]

He was responsible for the building of Odda's Chapel in Deerhurst, Gloucestershire for the good of the soul of his brother Aelfric, who died in 1053 and was buried at Pershore.[2] Odda himself died at Deerhurst on 31 August 1056, having been ordained a monk by Bishop Aldred of Worcester, and taken the monastic name Aethelwine. He was likewise buried at Pershore.[3][4]. After Odda's death, as he had apparently left no heir, his lands passed to King Edward. [5][6]

The chronicler Florence of Worcester described him as "a lover of churches, restorer of the poor, defender of widows and orphans, helper of the oppressed, guardian of chastity".[7]

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, ed. and tr. Michael Swanton, 2nd ed. (London 2000), p. 177
  2. ^ The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, ed. Swanton, p. 185
  3. ^ The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, ed. Swanton, p. 187
  4. ^ King Edward of Holy Memory. Dot-Doomsday. Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
  5. ^ King Edward of Holy Memory. Dot-Doomsday. Retrieved on 2007-11-18.
  6. ^ A Brief History of Deerhurst and its Anglo-Saxon Churches. Deerhurstfriends. Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
  7. ^ The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, ed. Swanton, p. 187, note 14