LEOFRIC (d. 1057), earl of Mercia, was a son of Leofwine, earl of Mercia, and became earl at some date previous to 102. Henceforth, being one of the three great earls of the realm, he took a leading part in public affairs. On the death of King Canute in 1035 he supported the claim of his son Harold to the throne against that of Hardicanute ; and during the quarrel between Edward the Confessor and Earl Godwine in 1051 he played the part of a mediator. Through his efforts civil war was averted, and in accord ance with his advice the settlement of the dispute was referred to the Witan. When he became earl of Mercia his direct rule seems to have been confined to Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and the borders of north Wales, but afterwards he extended the area of his earldom. As Chester was his principal residence and the seat of his government, he is sometimes called earl of Chester. Leofric died at Bromley in Staffordshire on Aug. 31, 1057. His wife was Godgifu, famous in legend as Lady Godiva (q.v.). Both husband and wife were noted as liberal benefactors to the church, among their foundations being the famous Benedictine monastery at Coventry. Leofric's son, Aelfgar, succeeded him as earl of Mercia.
Pop. (1931) 5,707. It is served by the G.W. and L.M.S. rail ways. It still retains some old-timbered houses. The parish church of mixed architecture, Norman nave and fine window tracery, was restored in 1866 and enlarged in 1879. The Butter Cross, a beau tiful example of timber work of 1633, has been removed and re erected in the grounds of the Grange. Trade is chiefly in agricul tural produce, wool and cider, as the district is rich in orchards. Brewing and the manufacture of agricultural implements are also carried on.
Merewald, king of Mercia, is said to have founded a religious house in Leominster in 66o, and a nunnery existed here until the Conquest, when the place became a royal demesne. It was granted by Henry I. to the monks of Reading, who built in it a cell of their abbey, and under whose protection the town grew up. In 1539 it reverted to the crown; and in 1554 was incorporated by a charter. Fairs, which have modern representatives, were granted at various times. A market was held by the abbey by a grant of Henry I. Friday is now market day. Leominster was famous for wool from the 13th to the 18th century.