Edward the Confessor

Edward was born sometime between 1003 and 1005. He was the seventh son of Æthelred the Unready and his second wife Emma of Normandy. He had two full siblings, a brother Alfred and a sister Godgifu. He was always listed behind his half-brothers in charters, which showed that he ranked behind them.

During his childhood years, England was targeted by the Vikings under Sweyn Forkbeard and his son Cnut. Sweyn eventually seized the throne in 1013. Following this, Edward and his mother fled to Normandy. Soon after, his father joined them.

Sweyn passed away a year later, in 1014, and Æthelred came back to power. Æthelred himself passed away in 1016, after which Edward’s half-brother Edmund became the new king.

Edmund carried on the fight against Sweyn’s son, Cnut, and it is also believed that Edward fought alongside Edmund. However, Edmund also passed away the same year, in November 1016. Edward then went into exile along with his siblings. His mother married Cnut in 1017.

Eadwig, Edward’s last surviving elder half-brother was executed by Cnut. This made Edward the leading Anglo-Saxon claimant to the throne. Edward spent nearly a quarter of a century in exile. His whereabouts during this time is assumed to be Normandy, although there is little evidence to support it. He is said to have received support from his sister Godgifu, who had married Drogo of Mantes, the count of Vexin.

Harthacnut passed away in June 1042 and Edward was supported by Godwin, the most powerful of the English earls, in his claim to the throne. Edward was crowned the new king in London, at the cathedral of Winchester, the royal seat of the West Saxons, on 3rd April 1043. Shortly after his ascension, he seized the property of his mother, who is believed to have plotted against his ascension.

The first eleven years of his reign are believed to have been ineffectual, as England was mostly controlled by the Earl of Wessex, Godwin. Edward had the right to appoint bishops. He married Edith, Godwin’s daughter, in 1045.

A major disagreement occurred between Godwin and Edward after a few years. Archbishop Robert accused Godwin of plotting to assassinate Edward. Enraged, Edward eventually outlawed the Godwin family and also sent Edith away to a nunnery. The Archbishop also urged Edward to divorce her.

Edward’s favoritism to the Normans caused further problems with his nobles, and in 1052, Godwin and his sons were able to return again. Since they were not prepared for a civil war, Edward was forced to make peace with them.

As a result, Godwin’s lands had to be returned to him and Edward’s Norman forces were exiled. Godwin passed away in 1053, after which his son Harold took on his title, and became known as Harold of Wessex. He became the most powerful nobleman in England.

Edward married Godwin's daughter Edith on 23 January 1045. The marriage was childless. It is believed that Edward was dedicated to a celibate lifestyle and that is why Edith didn’t bear any child.