Edward the Confessor

Edward the Confessor was a king of the English many years ago. He was born around the year 1003 in a place called Islip, Oxfordshire. His parents were Æthelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy.

When Edward was young, some people from Viking countries came to England and made trouble. Edward and his family had to leave England for a while and live in Normandy. Later, he came back to England and became king after his half-brother, Harthacnut, passed away.

Edward ruled from 1042 until he passed away in 1066. He worked hard to lead his country well. Even though he was not a fighter like some other kings, people remembered him for being kind and gentle. After he passed away, people began to honor him as a saint. In the year 1161, a pope named Pope Alexander III officially named Edward a saint.

One special place connected to Edward is Westminster Abbey. Edward helped start building this beautiful church. Today, people still visit Westminster Abbey to remember him. Edward’s special day is celebrated on October 13 by the Church of England and the Catholic Church.