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Edward the Confessor (1003-1066)

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Edward the Confessor

Edward the Confessor was the second-last Anglo-Saxon king. It is important to understand his role in the final years of Anglo-Saxon rule.

Illustrative background for Edward's positive aspectsIllustrative background for Edward's positive aspects ?? "content

Edward's positive aspects

  • He believed in the power of God guiding him and the people. The people of England believed this.
  • He earned the respect of people as a lawmaker who made good and fair decisions.
  • He had a strong power base. His marriage to Edith, the daughter of Earl of Wessex (who was a powerful noble) strengthened his position.
Illustrative background for Edward's negative aspectsIllustrative background for Edward's negative aspects ?? "content

Edward's negative aspects

  • Most of his supporters were not in England as he had been exiled to France for many years.
  • Edward didn't have any legitimate children. This meant that Edward had no heirs. This is a fragile position for a king to be in.
  • The Earl of Wessex was a powerful person that he could not control. King Harold Godwinson was the Earl of Wessex' son.

Jump to other topics

1Anglo-Saxon England & The Norman Conquest, 1060-66

2William I in Power: Securing the Kingdom, 1066-87

3Norman England, 1066-88

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