Edward

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Edward

king of England [circa 963–978]

Also known as: Saint Edward the Martyr

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Quick Facts

Byname:: Saint Edward the Martyr

Born:: c. 963

Died:: March 18, 978, Corfe, Eng.

Edward (born c. 963—died March 18, 978, Corfe, Eng.; feast day March 18) was the king of England from 975 to 978. His reign was marked by a reaction against the promonastic policies of his father and predecessor, King Edgar (reigned 959–975). Upon Edgar’s death a faction sought to win the throne for his younger son, Ethelred, but Edward was quickly elected king. He evidently played little part in the antimonastic reaction, which was led by Aelfhere, ealdorman of Mercia. Edward was assassinated while visiting Ethelred in Corfe. Although Ethelred succeeded to the throne, it is not known whether he and his mother Aelfthryth (Edward’s stepmother) had a hand in the murder of his brother. Edward was widely mourned; his remains were said to produce miracles, and his cult was promoted by King Canute.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.