Edward the Confessor

Edward the Confessor was born between 1003 and 1005 (the exact year of his birth lost to history), and spent much of his early life in exile. The English monarchy was in a state of turmoil, following attacks by Vikings under Sweyn Forkbeard, and his son Cnut. Following several years of civil war, Cnut eventually became undisputed King of England in 1016, and Edward was forced into exile.

When Cnut's son, King Harthacnut died in 1042, the English nobility supported Edward to retake the throne for the House of Wessex. Edward was crowned King in 1043 at the Cathedral of Winchester.

Although Edward married Edith of Wessex, the two never had children, and opinions vary on whether Edward chose to remain celibate as part of his religious beliefs. Given his fondness for hunting, and a tendency to fits of rage, Edward is considered an unlikely choice for sainthood. Corruption and political appointments were common amongst the Catholic church at this time, and this could explain the decision.

The lack of children resulted in a chaotic succession. He was eventually succeeded by his brother-in-law, Harold Godwinson, who would only rule for a few months before being killed in the infamous Battle of Hastings in 1066. The crown would eventually pass to William the Conqueror.