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King Edward

(circa 1003-1066), Known as 'The Confessor', reigned 1043-66

Sitter in 8 portraits
Born between 1003 and 1005, the son of King Ethelred II the Unready and Emma, daughter of Richard II of Normandy, he became King in 1043. For the first eleven years of his reign the real ruler of England was Godwine, Earl of Wessex. Despite Edward marrying Godwine's daughter Edith, there was a breach between the two men. When Godwine died in 1053, his son Harold succeeded him. It was Harold, not Edward, who dealt with Welsh and Northumbrian rebellions. Consequently, before his death, Edward named Harold as his successor even though he may have promised the crown to a distant cousin, William, Duke of Normandy. Edward was canonised in 1161 and remains the patron saint of the Royal Family.

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King Edward, by Manwine, from a die attributed to  Theodoric - NPG 4048

King Edward

by Manwine, from a die attributed to Theodoric
silver penny, 1065
NPG 4048

King Edward, by Iocetel, from a die attributed to  Theodoric - NPG 4049

King Edward

by Iocetel, from a die attributed to Theodoric
silver penny, 1065
NPG 4049

King Edward, after Iocetel, from a die attributed to  Theodoric - NPG D7033

King Edward

after Iocetel, from a die attributed to Theodoric
metal cast, 1958 (1065)
NPG D7033

King Edward ('the Confessor'), after Unknown artist - NPG D23597

King Edward ('the Confessor')

after Unknown artist
line engraving, probably 18th century
NPG D23597

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