Edward the Confessor

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 14, 2022

St. Edward the Confessor (c. 1003 – 4 January 1066) was King of England from 8 June 1042 AD to 4 January 1066. After he died, there were four people who claimed the throne. Edward had promised to each of them that they would be king.

Edward spent many years in Normandy. The Anglo-Saxon nobles invited Edward back to England in 1041. He became part of the household of his half-brother Harthacnut. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle both were sworn in as king together.

Following Harthacnut's death on 8 June 1042, Edward ascended the throne. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle indicates the popularity he enjoyed at his accession — "before he [Harthacnut] was buried, all the people chose Edward as king in London". Edward was crowned at the cathedral of Winchester, the royal seat of the West Saxons on 3 April 1043.

Questions and Answers

Q: Who was St. Edward the Confessor?

A: St. Edward the Confessor was the King of England from 8 June 1042 AD to 4 January 1066.

Q: How many people claimed the throne after Edward's death?

A: Four people claimed the throne after Edward's death.

Q: What promise did Edward make to each of the claimants of the throne?

A: Edward promised each of them that they would be king.

Q: Where did Edward spend many years before being invited back to England in 1041?

A: Edward spent many years in Normandy before being invited back to England in 1041.

Q: Who did Edward become part of the household of when he came back to England?

A: Edward became part of the household of his half-brother Harthacnut.

Q: When was Edward crowned as the king of England?

A: Edward was crowned as the king of England at the cathedral of Winchester on 3 April 1043.

Q: How did the people react when Edward was crowned as king?

A: According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the people chose Edward as king in London before Harthacnut was even buried, indicating the popularity he enjoyed at his accession.