Edward the Martyr
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| Rank: | 14th |
| Ruled: | July 8, 975-March 18, 978 |
| Predecessor: | Edgar |
| Date of Birth: | 962 |
| Place of Birth: | Wessex, England |
| Wife: | Never married |
| Buried: | Brookwood Cemetery |
| Date of Death: | March 18, 978 |
| Parents: | Edgar and Ethelfleda |
King Edward the Martyr (circa 962 - March 18, 978/979) succeeded his father Edgar as King of England in 975, but was murdered after a reign of only a few years. As the murder was attributed to "irreligious" opponents, whereas Edward himself was considered a good Christian, he was canonised as Saint Edward the Martyr in 1001.
Motive and details of his murder
Edward's accession to the throne was contested by a party headed by his stepmother, Queen Elfrida, who wished her son, Ethelred to become king instead. However, Edward's claim had more support - including that of St Dunstan - and was confirmed by the Witan. However, a few years later, he visited Corfe Castle, home of Elfrida and Ethelred. Elfrida offered Edward a glass of mead, and while he was drinking it, he was stabbed in the back. Ethelred himself was then only ten years old, so was not directly implicated in the murder.
History of his relics
In 1001, his relics were removed from his grave and placed in an elaborate shrine in Shaftesbury Abbey. Witnesses at the time reported that the relics were fragrant. During the sixteenth century, under King Henry VIII, monasteries were dissolved and many holy places were demolished, but St. Edward's remains were hidden so as to avoid desecration. In 1931, the relics were recovered by Mr. Wilson-Claridge during an archaelogical excavation; their identity was confirmed by Dr. T.E.A. Stowell, an osteologist. In about 1982, Mr. Wilson-Claridge donated the relics to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, which placed them in a church in Brookwood Cemetery, in Woking, Surrey. The St. Edward Brotherhood of monks was organized there as well. The church is now named St. Edward the Martyr Orthodox Church.
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Preceded by: Edgar | List of British monarchs |
Succeeded by: Ethelred II |