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Definition: Edward the Confessor (c. 1003–1066) from The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide

King of England from 1042, the son of Ethelred II. He lived in Normandy until shortly before his accession. During his reign power was held by Earl Godwin and his son Harold, while the king devoted himself to religion, including the rebuilding of Westminster Abbey (consecrated in 1065), where he is buried. His childlessness left four claimants to the English throne on his death and led ultimately to the Norman Conquest in 1066. He was canonized in 1161.

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St Edward the Confessor

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Edward the Confessor

From The Columbia Encyclopedia
d. 1066, king of the English (1042–66), son of Æthelred the Unready and his Norman wife, Emma. After the Danish conquest (1013–16) of England, Edward grew up at the Norman court, although his mother returned to England and married the Danish king Canute. In 1041, Edward was brought to England by his half-brother Harthacanute , whom he succeeded as king in 1042. Edward was an able but not very energetic ruler, and he was unable to assert his authority over the great earls of the kingdom. Most powerful of these was Godwin , whose daughter Edith married (1045) the king. Edward's natural inclination to favor the Normans in England—notably Robert of Jumièges , whom he made archbishop of Canterbury in 1051—led to a breach with Godwin. In 1051, after a fracas between the king's brother-in-law, Eustace II , count of Boulogne, and the citizens of Dover, Godwin refused to obey Edward's order to punish the men of Dover and tried to raise a revolt. Edward, however, was supported by Leofric of…
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Full text Article Edward the Confessor, Saint

From Britannica Concise Encyclopedia
(born c. 1003, Islip, Eng.—died Jan. 5, 1066, London; canonized 1161; feast day originally January 5, now October 13) King of England (1042–66). The son of Ethelred II , he was exiled to Normandy for 25 years (1016–41) while the Danes held England ( see Canute the Great ). For the first 11 years of…
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Full text Article Edward the Confessor

From Chambers Biographical Dictionary
c.1003-1066 King of England and saint Born at Islip, Oxfordshire, he was the elder son of Ethelred II , the Unready, by his wife Emma , and half-brother of Edmund II, Ironside . In 1016 the English throne passed to Knut Sveinsson (Canute), who married Ethelred's widow, and had a son by her, …
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Full text Article 1042: Edward the Confessor

From English History: People, Places and Events That Built a Country
In 1042, the English throne returned to Anglo-Saxon rule under Edward the Confessor. Edward the Confessor was mild-mannered, middle-aged, and extremely religious - hence his title ‘Confessor’. This intense religious faith may explain why King Edward remained childless even after he married. Edward’s…
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Full text Article Edward the Confessor

From The Columbia Encyclopedia
d. 1066, king of the English (1042–66), son of Æthelred the Unready and his Norman wife, Emma. After the Danish conquest (1013–16) of England, Edward grew up at the Norman court, although his mother returned to England and married the Danish king Canute. In 1041, Edward was brought to England by his…
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Ms Ee 3.59 The Anointing and Crowning of Edward the Confessor in 1043, from the Life of St. Edward the Confessor, c.1250-60 (vellum)
Artist: English School, (13th century) Location: University Library, Cambridge, UK Credit: Ms Ee 3.59 The Anointing and Crowning of Edward the Confessor in 1043, from the Life of St. Edward the Confessor, c.1250-60 (vellum), English School, (13th century) / University Library, Cambridge, UK / The…
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Full text Article St Edward the Confessor

From The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
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Full text Article Edward the Confessor's Chapel, Westminster Abbey

From Bridgeman Images: The Bridgeman Art Library
Edward the Confessor's Chapel, Westminster Abbey
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Full text Article Edward the Confessor (c.1003 to 1066)

From Chambers Dictionary of World History
King of England (1042/66). He was the elder son of Ethelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy, and the last king of the Old English royal line. After living in exile in Normandy, he joined the household of his half-brother Hardaknut in 1041, and then succeeded him on the throne. Until 1052 he…
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Full text Article Edward the Confessor's Shrine, Westminster Abbey

From Bridgeman Images: The Bridgeman Art Library
Edward the Confessor's Shrine, Westminster Abbey
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Full text Article Edward the Confessor's Chapel, Westminster Abbey

From Bridgeman Images: The Bridgeman Art Library
Edward the Confessor's Chapel, Westminster Abbey
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