Godwin, despite his alleged responsibility for the death of Edward's brother Alfred, in 1045 secures the marriage of his daughter Edith (Eadgyth) to Edward.

Edith’s mother Gytha was sister to the late Ulf, a Danish earl who was Cnut the Great's brother-in-law.

Brought up at Wilton Abbey, Edith is an educated woman who speaks several languages, skills she probably acquired at Wilton, to which she will remain attached to it; in later years, she will rebuild its church.

As Edward draws advisors, nobles and priests from his former place of refuge in a bid to develop his own power base, Godwin soon becomes the leader of opposition to growing Norman influence.