
Profession: King of England
Biography: Edward the Confessor was the last Anglo-Saxon king from the House of Wessex, and one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England. Edward reigned from 1042 until 1066.
Disagreements exist about the nearly thirty years Edward had on the throne. His epithet, 'the Confessor', reflects a view of him as particularly pious, though other historians contend that his failure to curb the influence of the House of Godwin led to the collapse of his authority and to the Norman conquest shortly after his death.
He died without heir on January 5, 1066. The council of Anglo-Saxon nobles elected Harold II of the House of Godwin to succeed him. Nine months later, William the Conqueror invaded England, deposed and killed Harold II and became the first Norman king of England, tarnishing Edward's reputation in future years.
Birthplace: Islip, Oxfordshire, England
Articles and Photos
Married Life
- 1045-01-23 Edward the Confessor, King of England (40), marries Edith, daughter of the Earl of Godwin
Historical Events
- 1043-04-03 Edward the Confessor crowned King of England
- 1065-12-28 New church devoted to St Peter the Apostle built by Edward the Confessor - later called the 'west minister' consecrated in London (rebuilt mid 13th century)
- 1066-01-06 Harold II (Harold Godwinson) crowned King of England after the death of his brother-in-law Edward the Confessor
Biographies and Sources
- History of Westminster Abbey - Westminster Abbey