King Edward the Martyr Saint
King Edward ('the Martyr') was the eldest son of Edgar the Peaceful and Aethelflaed, and king of England from 975-978. Chaos, rebellion and ill luck dominated Edward's reign. He faced accession disputes, famine and uprising from his father's land grants to the church. Just 2 years into his reign, Edward is murdered at Corfe Castle. Later, the church would recognise him as a saint and a martyr.
| Born | 962 |
| Parents | Edgar the Peaceful & Aethelflaed |
| Married | No |
| Children | None |
| Died | 18 March 978, buried at Wareham, Dorset (16), then reburied at Shaftesbury Abbey |
| Reign | 975 - 978 (2) |
| Crowned | 18 July 975, Kingston upon Thames (13) |
| Predecessor | Edgar the Peaceful (father) |
| Successor | Aethelred II the Unready (half-brother) |
| House | Wessex |
Life Events of King Edward
962
Edward is born to Edgar the Peaceful and Aethelflaed.
975
Edward's father, King Edgar dies. Chaos ensues, as the rightful heir is disputed. Edward, being the eldest son of Edgar, has the rightful claim, but some question his mother's marriage to Edgar. Edward's younger brother receives strong support, but Edward accedes with the help of the St Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury. On 18 July, Edward becomes king of England.
976
The accession dispute continues. Earl Aelfhere of East Anglia leads a revolt, and rallies Mercians to his cause. King Edward is backed by Aethelwold, earldorman of East Anglia and Byrtnoth, ealdorman of Essex. Famine soon hits the land, and commoners start believing God is punishing them for keeping Edward on the throne.
976
Further escalations rise from Edward's father's policy of giving excessive lands to the church. Monasteries are pillaged and monks are violently expelled. King Edward remains in Wessex, as he cannot control the uprising.
978
During a royal council meeting at Calne, Wiltshire, the upper floor collapses. A number of people are killed, but St Dunstan manages to narrowly escape, as his beam did not collapse.
978
On 18 March, King Edward pays a visit to his step-mother, Aelfthryth at Corfe Castle. On his arrival, there is no welcome party, but a few soldiers are waiting at the gate. As Edward approaches, he reaches down from his horse, to receive a drink, possibly from Aelfthryth herself. Suddenly, King Edward is pulled from his horse and stabbed in the chest. The startled horse bolts with Edward's foot stuck in the stirrup, dragging the king along the road. Edward dies almost immediately, and is hastily buried at Wareham, Dorset with no royal honours. His half-brother, Aethelred II succeeds him, and Aelfthryth is never charged with the murder.
1001
King Aethelred II orders Edward's remains to be reburied at Shaftesbury Abbey, which was founded by King Alfred the Great.
Interesting Facts About King Edward
Dower
Edward did not bear any grudge towards his step-mother, despite her efforts to put her son, Aethelred, on the throne. In fact, Edward allowed Aelfthryth to claim part of her dower, and she settled at Corfe castle with Aethelred. This would later come back to haunt Edward!Saint
A short while after King Edward's murder, locals began claiming his body was performing miracles. The Church encouraged the claims, and possibly instigated them. Edward was later reburied at Shaftesbury Abbey, with full royal honours. His remains were remarkably intact, and given the local claims of miracles, Edward was canonized a saint.Epithet
King Edward has the epithet 'the Martyr', which was given to him by the church after he was canonized. Edward was the perfect Christian martyr, innocently murdered in cold blood. The miracles and reburial add to the martyrdom.Shrine
For centuries, pilgrims would come to Edward's shrine to worship. Shaftesbury was once called 'Edwardstowe', in honour of the saint.Church
Edward is the only king after Alfred, that has a church dedicated to him, that still survives today. St Edward's church, Corfe castle.
FAQs About the King
How was King Edward the Martyr killed?
King Edward was murdered on the orders of his step-mother, Aelfthryth. She wanted her son, Aethelred, to sit on the throne, and she succeeded.Where is King Edward the Martyr buried?
King Edward was initially hastily buried at Wareham, Dorset. Then 20 years later, reburied at Shaftesbury Abbey. After the dissolution of the monasteries, his remains were lost. But they have been re-found, and now lie in the Church of St Edward the Martyr, Brookwood, Surrey.
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