Godric Morley, 2nd Earl of Hereford (1320 - 16 October, 1378) also known as Godric the Kingbreaker was an English nobleman, military commander and rebel who twice dethroned the monarch of England. The son of Godwyn Morley, the founder of the Earldom of Hereford, Godric rose from a relatively minor position on the border with Wales. Playing a crucial role along the Welsh border, his victory at Gospel Pass lead to the capture of the Welsh pretender Dafydd of Powys Fadog, bringing him widespread fame. Godric would spend the next few years accompanying the Duke of Gloucester in his campaign across southern Wales, during which he would earn further recognition. Playing a crucial role at the battle of Kenfig Hill, Godric would be named as "Shield of the Marches" by King Henry III.
Godric would participate in the First Burgundian War, defeating French forces at the battles of Argentan, Mamers and, most decisively, Luigny, where he would capture the Duke of Alençon amongst numerous others. It was during this campaign, however, that he would earn a reputation for brutality, especially against nobility. Most notably, Godric was responsible for "Le jour du Fleurs Noir" or "Day of the Black Flowers" during which seven members of cadet branches of the House of Valois were executed and thrown into the Vère River. Following his numerous victories, Godric was made a member of the Order of the Garter and Earl Marshal during the coronation of King Alfred II in Caen. However, with his prestige in ascendancy, he drew the ire of the Earls of Suffolk and Berkshire and their allies, who had enjoyed the favour of the previous king.
Throughout the mid to late 1350s, Godric dominated the English Royal court, building a strong following amongst the border counties such as Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Warwickshire. As Earl Marshal and King of Arms, Godric used his influence over Alfred to strengthen his allies, much to the chagrin of his rivals. During April 1360, Alfred fell ill, rapidly declining into a semi-responsive state. With no male heir, the House of Arundel was threatened by its younger branch, the House of Winchester during what became known as the Winter Crisis. Supporting the House of Winchester, Godric and his supporters rode to London in order to pressure the court to name Percy de Gaël as heir. Although outnumbered by the Arundel loyalists, Godric's strategic expertise lead to the Winchesters easily gaining the upper hand during the early stages of the conflict, eventually seizing the capital. Here, Godric oversaw the naming of Percy as heir presumptive. The death of Alfred II occurred in June 1361, leading the foundation of the Gaël Dynasty. Godric became effectively the power behind the throne, manipulating King Percy throughout the 1360s to his own benefit.