King Edgar of England

Edgar, also known as Edgar the Peacemaker and the Peaceable, was King of the English from 959 until his death in 975. He became king after the death of his brother Eadwig. Edgar was the younger son of King Edmund I and his first wife, Ælfgifu.

During his reign, Edgar followed the political policies of his predecessors, but he strongly supported the English Benedictine Reform. This movement became a dominant religious and social force, leading to a literary and artistic flowering associated with Æthelwold, Bishop of Winchester. Edgar assisted monasteries in acquiring estates, which led to disorder after his death when former owners sought to reclaim their property.

Edgar introduced a standardized coinage in the early 970s, replacing the previous decentralized system. He also issued legislative codes focused on improving law enforcement procedures. His reign saw no Viking invasions, as it coincided with a lull in attacks between the mid-950s and the early 980s.

After Edgar's death, the throne was contested between his two surviving sons. Edward the Martyr, the elder son, was chosen as king with the support of Dunstan, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Three years later, Edward was murdered, and his younger half-brother, Æthelred the Unready, succeeded him.

Edgar had children by three consorts: Æthelflæd, Wulfthryth, and Ælfthryth. His children included Edward the Martyr, Edith of Wilton, Edmund, and Æthelred the Unready. Ælfthryth was politically influential, and Edgar appointed her father as ealdorman of Devon.

Edgar's reign is often seen as a golden age by later chroniclers, especially when compared to Æthelred's rule. Modern historians view his reign as the peak of Anglo-Saxon culture, though they disagree on his political legacy. Some see the disorders following his death as a reaction to his control.

Edgar died at the age of 31 or 32 on 8 July 975 and was buried at Glastonbury Abbey. After his death, his son Edward the Martyr succeeded him as king.