Edward the Martyr of England 1 2
- Born: Cir 963
- Died: 18 Mar 978, Corfe, England aged 15
Other names for Edward were Edward II and Saint Edward the Martyr.
General Notes:
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 at Corfe Castle, Dorset. Although Ethelred succeeded to the throne, it is not known whether he had a hand in the murder of his brother. Edward was widely mourned; his remains were said to produce miracles, and he was declared a martyr in 1001.
Feast day March 18.
Noted events in his life were:
• Acceded: 975. King.
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