Edgar Ætheling

Edgar Ætheling, born around 1052, was the last male member of the royal house of Cerdic of Wessex. He was born in Hungary, where his father Edward the Exile had sought refuge. Edgar's mother was Agatha, whose exact identity remains uncertain. In 1057, Edgar's family returned to England, but his father died shortly thereafter, leaving Edgar as the only male heir apart from King Edward the Confessor.

In 1066, Edgar was elected King of England by the Witan but was never crowned. Following the death of Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, Edgar's claim was briefly supported by some Anglo-Saxon leaders. However, without military support, Edgar submitted to William the Conqueror in December 1066.

Edgar spent time in exile and engaged in various conflicts against the Normans. He sought refuge in Scotland with King Malcolm III, who married Edgar's sister Margaret. Edgar participated in uprisings against Norman rule, but these efforts failed, and he returned to Scotland.

In 1086, Edgar moved to Norman Apulia, possibly participating in the First Crusade or making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He later returned to England, where he became involved in Norman and Scottish dynastic struggles. Edgar supported Robert Curthose against William II and later against Henry I.

Edgar was captured at the Battle of Tinchebray in 1106 but was pardoned by King Henry I. His niece, Edith (renamed Matilda), married Henry I, which may have influenced his release. Edgar was involved in Scottish affairs, helping to install his nephew Edgar on the Scottish throne in 1097.

Edgar is believed to have lived quietly in the countryside in his later years. He witnessed the death of William Adelin in the White Ship disaster in 1120. Edgar's exact date of death is unknown, but he was still alive in 1125, according to contemporary sources.

Edgar Ætheling died sometime after 1125, with no specific cause or burial place recorded. His succession was taken over by William I after Edgar's brief claim to the throne.