Edward

Table of Contents

Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images

Saint Edward the Martyr, silver penny, 10th century; in the British Museum

Read Next

Union Jack flag of Great Britain, united kingdom

What’s the Difference Between Great Britain and the United Kingdom?

Bonnie Parker mockingly points shotgun at Clyde Barrow. American bank robbers and lovers Clyde Barrow (1909 - 1934) and Bonnie Parker (1911 -1934), popularly known as Bonnie and Clyde, circa 1933. criminal, thief, robbery team

7 Notorious Women Criminals

Shadow of a man holding large knife in his hand inside of some dark, spooky buiding

7 of History's Most Notorious Serial Killers

Law legal system crime concept with gavel and scales of justice with books in the background. (mallet, judicial system).

What Are the Differences Between First-, Second-, and Third-Degree Murder?

Queen Elizabeth II on her Coronation Day (June 2, 1953) holding the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross in her right hand the Orb in her left, in an embroidered and beaded dress by Norman Hartnell, a crimson velvet mantle edged with ermine fur, with the Coronation ring, the Coronation necklace, and the Imperial State Crown. The backdrop depicts the interior of Westminster Abbey; photograph by Cecil Beaton. (British royals)

5 Fascinating British Coronation Objects

Discover

9 Mind-Altering Plants

Ahura Mazda - relief of the Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda at the ancient ruins of Persepolis in Iran. Also known as Ormazd Zoroastrianism,

Which Religion Is the Oldest?

Facsimile of one of William Henry Ireland's forgeries, a primitive self-portrait of William Shakespeare(tinted engraving). Published for Samuel Ireland, Norfolk Street, Strand, December 1, 1795. (W.H. Ireland, forgery)

The Time a Law Clerk Successfully Forged a New Shakespeare Play to Impress His Dad

What's the Difference Between a Solstice and an Equinox?

Stylish light blue jeans on wooden background, closeup of inset pocket

Why Do Jeans Have That Tiny Pocket?

Fish. Lionfish. Lion-fish. Turkey fish. Fire-fish. Red lionfish. Pterois volitans. Venomous fin spines. Coral reefs. Underwater. Ocean. Red lionfish swims by seaweed.

10 of the World’s Most Dangerous Fish

Four year old boy with grandfather and father lighting Hanukkah menorah. Photo taken on: December 21st, 2009

Which Is Correct: Hanukkah or Chanukah?

Edward

king of England [circa 963–978]

Also known as: Saint Edward the Martyr

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Quick Facts

Byname:: Saint Edward the Martyr

Born:: c. 963

Died:: March 18, 978, Corfe, Eng.

Edward (born c. 963—died March 18, 978, Corfe, Eng.; feast day March 18) was the king of England from 975 to 978. His reign was marked by a reaction against the promonastic policies of his father and predecessor, King Edgar (reigned 959–975). Upon Edgar’s death a faction sought to win the throne for his younger son, Ethelred, but Edward was quickly elected king. He evidently played little part in the antimonastic reaction, which was led by Aelfhere, ealdorman of Mercia. Edward was assassinated while visiting Ethelred in Corfe. Although Ethelred succeeded to the throne, it is not known whether he and his mother Aelfthryth (Edward’s stepmother) had a hand in the murder of his brother. Edward was widely mourned; his remains were said to produce miracles, and his cult was promoted by King Canute.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.