Edward the Martyr

Edward the Martyr was born around 962 and became King of the English on 8 July 975. He was the eldest son of King Edgar, and his mother was probably Æthelflæd. Upon his father's death, a dispute arose over the succession between Edward and his younger half-brother, Æthelred the Unready. Edward's supporters included Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Æthelwine, Ealdorman of East Anglia.

Edward's reign began amidst tensions between rival factions supporting him and his half-brother Æthelred. The dispute was quickly settled with Edward being chosen as king, while Æthelred received lands traditionally given to the king's eldest son. Edward's reign involved struggles between monastic reformers and the lay nobility, who sought to reclaim lands taken by Edgar.

During his short reign, Edward faced challenges from nobles who took advantage of Edgar's death to reclaim lands. The leading magnates were divided into two factions, with Ælfhere, Ealdorman of Mercia, and Æthelwine both seizing monastic lands. These disputes did not lead to warfare.

Edward's reign was abruptly ended by his murder on 18 March 978 at the estate of Dowager Queen Ælfthryth in Corfe, Dorset. His death occurred under unclear circumstances, and contemporary writers did not name the murderer. Post-Conquest narratives often blamed Ælfthryth, though modern historians are divided on this.

Edward was hurriedly buried at Wareham, and a year later, his body was moved to Shaftesbury Abbey with great ceremony. His murder deeply troubled contemporaries, who viewed it as a mortal sin, and he was soon revered as a saint. His feast day on 18 March is included in the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England.

Edward was known for abusive behavior towards his associates, and some historians believe his veneration as a saint was undeserved. His death led to a compromise between the opposing factions, allowing Æthelred to succeed him without further conflict.

Edward died at about 16 years old, murdered at Corfe, Dorset, and was buried at Wareham before being reburied at Shaftesbury. He was succeeded by his half-brother, Æthelred II.