Edward The Confessor: 1042-1066 AD | History of the monarchs of Britain

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Edward The Confessor: 1042-1066

Edward was the sone of Æthelred II, and half-brother of King Edmund. He lived in exile in Normandy following the Danish ivasion of 1013AD. In 1041AD, he returned to England to the court of his half brother Hardicanute. Following Hardicanute's death in 1042AD, Edward inherited the crown.

Edward's rule was largely peaceful and prosperous, but was marred by his support for his Norman friends, who he supported with positions at court and within his government. This bred resentment amongst both Saxons and Danes, ultimately resulting in an unsuccessful rebellion led by Godwin, Earl of Wessex.

Edward was responsible for the construction of Westminster Abbey between the years 1052 and 1065AD. Virtually all future monarchs from the time of William the Conqueror would be crowned there.

Edward died childless in January of 1065AD, leading to a crisis of succession. The Normans held that Edward had promised the throne to William, whilst the Saxons held that Edward had promised the throne to Harold on his deathbed. Ultimately, the Witan - effectively a council of nobles - held the authority to convey kingship, and it was their decision that Harold should be named heir.

Edward was remembered in later years as a devout religions monarch, and was canonised by the Catholic church. There is, however, little evidence to support this posthumous reputation.