Royal council makes Tostig Earl of Northumbria (1 mars 1055 – 30 mars 1055)

Description:

The royal council met in March 1055 to decide that the earldom of Northumbria should pass to Tostig, as Waltheof, Siward's surviving son, was too young/inexperienced. Aelfgar opposes Tostig's appointment, as it leaves Aelfgar and his father Leofric, Earl of Mercia, surrounded by Godwinsons to north and south. Such is the ferocity of his objection that he is declared outlaw 'on the charge of being traitor to the king and the whole country' but the C chronicle insists that he had not done anything wrong.