Edward

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Edward the Confessor and Duke William of Normandy, from the Bayeux Tapestry, embroidery, 11th century, located at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, Bayeux, France.

Saint Edward the Confessor, detail of a miniature from Peter Langtoft's Chronicle, early 14th century; in the British Library (Royal Ms. 20 A ii)

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History & Society

Edward

king of England [1002?-1066]

Also known as: Saint Edward the Confessor

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Feb 29, 2024 • Article History

Edward

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Category: History & Society

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

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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)

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