10 Facts about Edward the Confessor

Wednesday, July 19th 2017. | Figures


One of the prominent figures in the British history is explained on Facts about Edward the Confessor. He was known as the last king from the House of Wessex. This Anglo-Saxon king was also recognized as Saint Edward the Confessor. He was born in 1003 and died on 5th January 1066. He reigned from 1042 until 1066. Let us get other interesting facts about Edward the Confessor below:

Facts about Edward the Confessor 1: parents

His mother was Emma of Normandy. His father was Æthelred the Unready. Edward the Confessor was capable to sit as the king of England after he succeeded Cnut and Harthacnut.

Facts about Edward the Confessor 2: Harold Godwinson

Harold Godwinson was the successor of Edward the Confessor after his death in 1066. At the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror and his Norman army killed Godwinson.

Edward the Confessor Penny

Edward the Confessor Penny

Facts about Edward the Confessor 3: Edgar the Ætheling

After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Edgar the Ætheling from House of Wessex tried to claim the throne of England. However, it only took eight weeks to depose him.

Facts about Edward the Confessor 4: the nickname

Edward was known as Edward the Confessor. He earned the nickname due to his pious and unworldly nature. He was different from King Edward the Martyr because his nickname represented him as a saint. Look at facts about Edward Taylor here.

Edward the Confessor Scene

Edward the Confessor Scene

Facts about Edward the Confessor 5: reputation

He was portrayed as a successful king by Peter Rex and Frank Barlow. On the other hand, some believe that his heirless death led into the disintegration of England and House of Godwin. His image was tarnished due to the invasion of Normans.

Facts about Edward the Confessor 6: the canonized king

Edward the Confessor was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1161. It was a century later. The Catholic Church in Wales and England and Church of England celebrate his feast day on October 13th.

Edward the Confessor Facts

Edward the Confessor Facts

Facts about Edward the Confessor 7: coronation

On April 3, 1043, Edward earned his crown at cathedral of Winchester.

Facts about Edward the Confessor 8: later reigns

Edward was capable to repress the dominance of Godwin by structuring his earldoms in the mid 1050s.  In 1053, Godwin died. Get Facts about Edward V here.

Edward the Confessor

Edward the Confessor

Facts about Edward the Confessor 9: death

On January 5, 1066, Edward the Confessor passed away. It was believed that Harold and Edith were entrusted with his kingdom shortly before his death.

Facts about Edward the Confessor 10: burial

The burial of Edward took place at Westminster Abbey on January 6. On the same day, Harold became the king.

Facts about Edward the Confessor

Facts about Edward the Confessor

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