Page "Kingdom of Sussex" Paragraph 37

In the next generation, Wulfnoth Cild, Thegn of Sussex, played a prominent part in English politics.

In 1009 his actions resulted in the destruction of the English fleet, and by 1011 Sussex, together with most of South East England, was in the hands of the Danes.

In an early example of local government reform, the Anglo-Saxon ealdormanries were abolished by the Danish kings and replaced with a smaller number of larger earldoms.

Wulfnoth Cild was the father of Godwin, who was made Earl of Wessex in 1020.

His earldom included Sussex.

When he died in 1053, Godwin was succeeded as Earl of Wessex ( including Sussex ) by his son Harold, who had previously been Earl of East Anglia.