Edward the Martyr (975-978)

Edward the Martyr (St Edward) was the son of Edgar and Æthelflæd. The possible illegitimacy of his birth and the uncertainty over Edgar’s wishes following his unexpected death led to questions about the succession. This situation was complicated by opposition to Edgar’s monastic reforms.

Dunstan, the Archbishop of Canterbury, supported Edward’s claim and crowned him. Another faction, of which Edgar’s widow Ælfthryth was a prominent member, favoured Æthelred. For the second time in 20 years a king of England had little influence north of the Thames, although this time the country was on the brink of civil war.

Despite the situation in the country, Edward seems to have been on friendly terms with his half-brother. On 18 March 978 Edward visited Æthelred at Corfe. He arrived in the early evening and was met by Ælfthryth’s retainers. Instead of the friendly welcome he expected he was dragged from his horse and murdered. His body was buried nearby. As Æthelred was no more than 12 at the time it is unlikely that he had any involvement in the murder.

It was over a year before Æthelred was confirmed as Edward’s successor on 4 May 979. By then Edward’s remains had been moved to a nunnery in Shaftesbury. Stories of miracles associated with Edward’s remains grew and he was made a saint, his cult being promoted by Æthelred. Saint Edward the Martyr’s feast day was observed on 18 March from the early 11th century.

Essential Facts

Edward the Martyr was the son of Edgar and Æthelflæd.
Edward the Martyr became king of the death of his father, Edgar.
Edward the Martyr was murdered by retainers of his step-mother, Ælfthryth.
Edward the Martyr was succeeded by his half-brother, Æthelred II.

Timeline

8 July 975 – Death of Edgar.
17 July 975 – Edward the Martyr became king of England.
18 March 978 – Death of Edward the Martyr.