EDWARD THE

CONFESSOR
Great Britain’s History

Pospai Nichita
cls. a -X-a E
Liceul Teoretic Traian
 Edward the Confessor was the seventh son of Ethelred the Unready, and the first by his
second wife, Emma of Normandy. Edward was born between 1003 and 1005 in Islip, Oxfordshire.
He had one full brother, Alfred, and a sister, Godgifu. Usually considered the last king of the House
of Wessex, he ruled from 1042 until his death in 1066. Edward the Confessor, the last great king
of Anglo-Saxon England, is in part a figure of myths created in the late Middle Ages.

The Vita Edwardi Regis states "He was a very proper figure
of a man – of outstanding height, and distinguished by his milky white
hair and beard, full face and rosy cheeks, thin white hands, and long
translucent fingers; in all the rest of his body he was an unblemished
royal person. Pleasant, but always dignified, he walked with eyes
downcast, most graciously affable to one and all. If some cause
aroused his temper, he seemed as terrible as a lion, but he never
revealed his anger by railing."

One of the first things he did after taking over was deprive his
mother Emma of her title and authority. According to historians, he blamed her for his lonely
childhood and suffering. He successfully invaded Scotland and Wales in the 1050s and added them
to his holdings. During Edward’s rule, Earl Godwin became increasingly powerful and rebellious.
Edward was not happy with the increasing power and confrontational attitude of Godwin.

He sent Godwin and his family into exile in Flanders. By 1051, Edward had a number of
Norman advisors in his court. Some historians believe that he had also promised Norman King
William the Conqueror to make him his successor. Godwin did not approve of Edward’s closeness
to the Normans. In 1052, Godwin sent an army under the command of his sons Harold and Tostig.
Edward could not raise an army to fight Godwin’s forces as no earl was willing to support him. As
a result, Edward had to send back Normans from his court and had to return to Godwin all his
confiscated estates.

After this, Edward remained severely dependent on Godwins and Witan, a counsel of earls
for running the affairs of the state. In 1053, Godwin died and his son Harold rose to prominence.

In his later life, Edward became a weak monarch. Much of his powers were exercised by
Witan and his army was commanded by Harold Godwinson. Edward spent much of his last years
in building Westminster Abbey in London. In 1066, Edward died in London. He had no heir so
Harold Godwinson succeeded him. However, Harold’s reign was short-lived and he was defeated
and killed by William the Conqueror, the same year in the Battle of Hastings. Edward the
Confessor, during his reign as King of England, is said to have made a promise to William, Duke
of Normandy, that William would succeed him. Edward’s connection with Normandy, where he
had spent his exile, may have influenced this decision. However, upon his deathbed in 1066,
Edward reportedly changed his successor to Harold Godwinson, the powerful Earl of Wessex. This
dispute over Edward’s prior promise led to the Battle of Hastings and the subsequent Norman
Conquest of England. Edward came to power as a weak monarch. Of the three powerful earls, only
one had leaned towards the House of Wessex. The other two were more titled in favor of the Danes.
However, Edward successfully strengthened his hold over the state and consolidated his power.

Despite spending his early years in exile due to Denmark’s conquest of England, he
eventually returned from Normandy to reclaim his throne. Edward was a deeply pious king,
demonstrated by his contribution to the construction of the iconic Westminster Abbey. The church,
which was to serve as a royal burial site, was part of his palace and was originally constructed in
the Romanesque style, characterized by its rounded arches and immense proportions.
 This church was dedicated to St. Peter the apostle, and it later became world-renowned as
Westminster Abbey. Despite Edward’s death just days after the church’s consecration in 1065, his
integral role in the creation of one of the world’s most iconic religious edifices is irrefutable. His
tomb within the Abbey remains a significant shrine that attracts numerous visitors, further
cementing his lasting legacy.

His reign not only strengthened the English monarchy but also emphasized law and order
while maintaining solid relations with the Norman aristocracy. His passing in 1066 without a direct
heir, however, paved the way for the Norman Conquest, bringing an end to Anglo-Saxon rule.

Renowned for his devoutness, Edward the Confessor was a crucial figure in the precursor
events to the Norman Conquest. Born Ethelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy, his birth
established a powerful link between England and Normandy. His formative years were spent in
Normandy in exile, due to Viking incursions, shaping his cultural and political beliefs. When he
reclaimed his homeland and ascended the English throne in 1042, he brought with him a multitude
of Norman advisors and clerics, greatly amplifying Norman’s sway in England. The ambiguity of
his successor following his demise in 1066 triggered a succession crisis that culminated in the
Norman Conquest.

The crown, named after Edward due to his pious nature and sainthood status, carries his
legacy despite him never having worn the crown in its current form. The St. Edward’s Crown
symbolizes the tradition and continuity of the British monarchy, with its solid gold structure and
precious gem adornment. It has held a significant role in the coronation of British monarchs since
the 13th century. However, the crown as we know it today was designed for Charles II’s coronation
in 1661, marking the restoration of the monarchy. As such, Edward the Confessor’s influence
remains deeply embedded within this iconic emblem of the British monarchy.

Renowned for his profound Christianity, King Edward the Confessor ruled England from
1042 to 1066, his devout faith deeply impacting both his personal life and reign. His religious
commitment was so significant that he merited the title ‘Confessor’, a distinction bestowed upon
a saint who suffers for their faith, but not to the point of martyrdom.

Edward the Confessor’s revered piety resulted in his canonization by Pope Alexander III
in 1161, almost a hundred years posthumously. Saint Edward’s Feast Day, celebrated on October
13th, honors the life and piety of Edward the Confessor, also known as Saint Edward. As the last
Anglo-Saxon king of England and a renowned religious figure, Edward’s devotion to Christianity
has left an indelible mark on English religious history. This special day commemorates his saintly
attributes and contributions to the Church, such as the construction of Westminster Abbey. Parades,
services, and festivities often take place, serving as a vibrant reminder of Saint Edward’s enduring
spiritual legacy.

Sources:

https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Edward-The-Confessor/

https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eduard_Confesorul

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Edward-Anglo-Saxon-king

https://www.historytoday.com/archive/edward-aetheling-anglo-saxon-englands-last-hope