Quick Facts
Byname:
Saint Edward the Confessor
Born:
1002/05, Islip, Eng.
Died:
Jan. 5, 1066, London
Title / Office:
king (1042-1066), England
Notable Family Members:
father Ethelred the Unready

Edward (born 1002/05, Islip, Eng.—died Jan. 5, 1066, London; canonized 1161; feast day originally January 5, now October 13) was the king of England from 1042 to 1066. Although he is often portrayed as a listless, ineffectual monarch overshadowed by powerful nobles, Edward preserved much of the dignity of the crown and managed to keep the kingdom united during his reign of 24 years. His close ties to Normandy prepared the way for the conquest of England by the Normans under William, duke of Normandy (later King William I), in 1066. Edward was the son of King Ethelred II (reigned ...(100 of 657 words)