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| Illustration in The Winchester New Minster Charter (966) |
Birth name: Ēadgār Æþeling of Ƿestseaxna rīċe
Born: c. 943 - 944, Kingdom of England
Father: King Edmund I of the English 'The Magnificent'
Mother: Saint Ælfgifu of Shaftesbury
House: Wessex
Nationality: English
Religion: Catholicism
Claim: Child of Edmund I
Reign: 01 October 959 - 08 July 975 (15 years)
Coronation: 11 May 973
Predecessor: Eadwig 'All-Fair'
Successor: Edward 'The Martyr'
Died: 08 July 975 (aged 31-32), Kingdom of England
Cause: Unknown illness
Burial: Glastonbury Abbey
Motto: N/A
Spouse(s):
- Lady Æthelflæd Eneda of East Anglia 'The White Duck' (m. ??? - 960) *disputed*
- Saint Wulfthryth of Wilton (m. 960 - 961) *disputed*
- Lady Ælfthryth of Devon (m. 964 - 975)
Children:
- With Lady Æthelflæd Eneda of East Anglia *disputed*
- Saint King Edward of the English 'The Martyr' (c. 960 - 978)
- With Saint Wulfthryth of Wilton
- Saint Edith of Wilton (c. 961 - 984)
- With Lady Ælfthryth of Devon
- Edmund Ætheling (c. 964 - 970)
- King Æthelred of the English 'The Unready' (c. 966 - 1016)
Appearance:
He may have had light brown or blonde hair, as well as a beard and moustache.
Character:
Despite the standards of the time, Edgar became well known for his more peaceful nature, which would ultimately earn him his nickname 'the Peaceful'. He was not known to be a warrior, and favoured a life dedicated to religion, especially Benedictine reforms.
Edgar was also quite controlling and stern, which helped keep the nobility in check, and allowed for further peace and stability during his time as king.
He was highly educated, and was particularly close with his older brother.
However, despite his devotion to Christianity and stern control, he could be prone to rash decisions, especially in his personal life, with a particular weakness for women. Even though he possessed an appetite for women, it appears that he did treat them with a great deal of respect, as many enjoyed great positions of power and influence within his court, especially his second and third wives, Wulfthryth and Ælfthryth. He also ensured his only daughter received an excellent education by the standards of the time.
Biography:
Edgar was born between the years 943 and 944, and was the youngest of two children born to King Edmund I of the English, and his first wife, Ælfgifu of Shaftesbury. His mother would die shortly after he was born, possibly as the result of his birth, and she would later be venerated as a saint. He had an older brother, Eadwig, who was further ahead of him in the line of succession.
During his early years, Edgar would be fostered and primarily brought up by Countess Ælfwynn of East Anglia, alongside her husband, Æthelstan, nicknamed the 'Half-King' due to his powerful influence. It was here that Edgar would be greatly influenced by the Benedictine Reform movement and he became a strong supporter of monks.
It appears that both him and his brother were not often present in his father's court, though they did come to witness a few charters as they grew older; it's highly possible that both Edgar and Eadwig had a close relationship as brothers.
Edgar would then spend the rest of his younger years being educated at Abingdon Abbey.
In the year 946, Edgar's father was killed after being attacked, and because Eadwig and Edgar were still only minors, Edmund's younger brother Eadred took the throne instead. He would rule until his own death in 955, when Edgar's older brother succeeded him as the new King of the English. Thus, Edgar became next in line for the throne, and his brother was very quick to establish himself as an independent ruler, free from factional chaos, yet at the same time, he appears to have had to buy a lot of his support. Edgar would come to play a prominent role in his brother's court, and witnessed many of his charters, with his position in the line of succession strongly acknowledged.
Eventually, in 957, the two brothers would divide the Kingdom of England between themselves. While Eadwig took primary control over Wessex, Edgar received control of Mercia. This move appears to have been met with relative peace, and may have been an attempt to revive the Anglo-Saxon practice of joint kingship. It was also during this period that Edgar possibly married his first wife, Lady Æthelflæd Eneda, though the true extent of their relationship is unknown. Regardless of whether they were actually married or not, the two of them had one son together, Edward. Æthelflæd Eneda disappears not long afterwards, possibly as the result of her death.
By 959, after just two years on the throne, Eadwig passed away never having sired any children. Thus, Edgar became King of the English instead of just the King of Mercia, and thus, England was once again united as a kingdom. But with his first consort likely dying not long into his reign, Edgar appears to have quickly begun looking for a new potential wife.
It did not take long for Edgar's eye to wander to a noblewoman named Wulfhild, however, she rejected his advances due to her desire to become a nun. Instead, her cousin, Wulfthryth, was suggested as a possible second wife for him. It appears the two of them played an early game of courtly love with each other, though once again, whether they actually married each other is heavily disputed. Some suggest that Edgar even kidnapped and raped Wulfthryth, but the close and friendly relationship they shared seems to discredit this. Either way, Edgar and Wulfthryth would have one daughter together, Edith.
However, Wulfthryth desired to return to her previous life at Wilton Abbey and become a nun there, and thus, the possible marriage between them was dissolved, and Edgar allowed her to return there with their daughter. They would remain close friends afterwards, and Wulfthryth would often act as an advisor to him. Meanwhile, Edgar ensured that his daughter received an excellent education while she lived at the abbey.
Edgar's eyes then soon fell upon Lady Ælfthryth of Devon as a potential wife and consort, who had just recently been widowed. According to legend, Edgar sent his close friend and advisor, Aethelwold, to report on her beauty and character to him. However, upon laying his eyes upon her, Aethelwold fell in love with her and married her in secret, all the while lying to Edgar and claiming that she was unworthy of being his consort. When Edgar found out about this deception, Edgar invited Aethelwold on a hunting trip with him, in which his advisor died in an accident, which many believed to be a cover up for his murder.
Regardless, the two of them would marry in 964, and Ælfthryth would go on to be a powerful and influential member of Edgar's court. The two of them would have two sons together, Edmund and Æthelred, but it appears that Ælfthryth may have possessed a strained relationship with Edgar's elder son, Edward. It's possible that she hoped her own sons would take priority in the line of succession, but the extent of which Edgar agreed to this is not certain.
Edgar would then spend his reign travelling around the kingdom as was expected of him. He focused heavily on the Benedictine reforms that he had been raised to follow, as well as uniting all the English, Danes, and Britons within the kingdom.
In 973, he was finally formally crowned as King of the English in a shared coronation with his wife and consort, though the reason for such a delay is not known. It's possible that he was crowned at the beginning of his reign, but that this coronation was a mark of his maturity, and may have been inspired by the more grand ceremonies conducted in Germany. He also appears to have taken part in an occasion which oversaw the meeting of all the kings of the British Isles in Chester. According to Chroniclers at the time, they all pledged themselves as allies to each other, with Edgar recognised as their leader and mediator.
However, Edgar would suddenly pass away just two years later in 975. The circumstances of his death are not known, but it is widely believed to have been from natural causes.
Rule:
Edgar's rule is largely regarded as a great success, owing to its stability and lack of invasions and wars. He was very dedicated to his role as king, ushering in many reforms, including the creation of the shires, increasing the power and influence of the Church, and standardising coins.
His reign was also known for its strong navy, with no Viking attacks being recorded during his rule.
Edgar was also famous for his meeting in Chester with all of the kings of the British Isles, creating powerful alliances, and establishing himself and England as a ruling power within the Christian world. Through this, he also created unity among the different ethnic groups within his kingdom.
Overall, Edgar was a very strong and capable ruler, with the kingdom flourishing and prospering. There is not much evidence of negative incidents occurring, which is often accredited to his well established control over government.
He may have had light brown or blonde hair, as well as a beard and moustache.
Character:
Despite the standards of the time, Edgar became well known for his more peaceful nature, which would ultimately earn him his nickname 'the Peaceful'. He was not known to be a warrior, and favoured a life dedicated to religion, especially Benedictine reforms.
Edgar was also quite controlling and stern, which helped keep the nobility in check, and allowed for further peace and stability during his time as king.
He was highly educated, and was particularly close with his older brother.
However, despite his devotion to Christianity and stern control, he could be prone to rash decisions, especially in his personal life, with a particular weakness for women. Even though he possessed an appetite for women, it appears that he did treat them with a great deal of respect, as many enjoyed great positions of power and influence within his court, especially his second and third wives, Wulfthryth and Ælfthryth. He also ensured his only daughter received an excellent education by the standards of the time.
Biography:
Edgar was born between the years 943 and 944, and was the youngest of two children born to King Edmund I of the English, and his first wife, Ælfgifu of Shaftesbury. His mother would die shortly after he was born, possibly as the result of his birth, and she would later be venerated as a saint. He had an older brother, Eadwig, who was further ahead of him in the line of succession.
During his early years, Edgar would be fostered and primarily brought up by Countess Ælfwynn of East Anglia, alongside her husband, Æthelstan, nicknamed the 'Half-King' due to his powerful influence. It was here that Edgar would be greatly influenced by the Benedictine Reform movement and he became a strong supporter of monks.
It appears that both him and his brother were not often present in his father's court, though they did come to witness a few charters as they grew older; it's highly possible that both Edgar and Eadwig had a close relationship as brothers.
Edgar would then spend the rest of his younger years being educated at Abingdon Abbey.
In the year 946, Edgar's father was killed after being attacked, and because Eadwig and Edgar were still only minors, Edmund's younger brother Eadred took the throne instead. He would rule until his own death in 955, when Edgar's older brother succeeded him as the new King of the English. Thus, Edgar became next in line for the throne, and his brother was very quick to establish himself as an independent ruler, free from factional chaos, yet at the same time, he appears to have had to buy a lot of his support. Edgar would come to play a prominent role in his brother's court, and witnessed many of his charters, with his position in the line of succession strongly acknowledged.
Eventually, in 957, the two brothers would divide the Kingdom of England between themselves. While Eadwig took primary control over Wessex, Edgar received control of Mercia. This move appears to have been met with relative peace, and may have been an attempt to revive the Anglo-Saxon practice of joint kingship. It was also during this period that Edgar possibly married his first wife, Lady Æthelflæd Eneda, though the true extent of their relationship is unknown. Regardless of whether they were actually married or not, the two of them had one son together, Edward. Æthelflæd Eneda disappears not long afterwards, possibly as the result of her death.
By 959, after just two years on the throne, Eadwig passed away never having sired any children. Thus, Edgar became King of the English instead of just the King of Mercia, and thus, England was once again united as a kingdom. But with his first consort likely dying not long into his reign, Edgar appears to have quickly begun looking for a new potential wife.
It did not take long for Edgar's eye to wander to a noblewoman named Wulfhild, however, she rejected his advances due to her desire to become a nun. Instead, her cousin, Wulfthryth, was suggested as a possible second wife for him. It appears the two of them played an early game of courtly love with each other, though once again, whether they actually married each other is heavily disputed. Some suggest that Edgar even kidnapped and raped Wulfthryth, but the close and friendly relationship they shared seems to discredit this. Either way, Edgar and Wulfthryth would have one daughter together, Edith.
However, Wulfthryth desired to return to her previous life at Wilton Abbey and become a nun there, and thus, the possible marriage between them was dissolved, and Edgar allowed her to return there with their daughter. They would remain close friends afterwards, and Wulfthryth would often act as an advisor to him. Meanwhile, Edgar ensured that his daughter received an excellent education while she lived at the abbey.
Edgar's eyes then soon fell upon Lady Ælfthryth of Devon as a potential wife and consort, who had just recently been widowed. According to legend, Edgar sent his close friend and advisor, Aethelwold, to report on her beauty and character to him. However, upon laying his eyes upon her, Aethelwold fell in love with her and married her in secret, all the while lying to Edgar and claiming that she was unworthy of being his consort. When Edgar found out about this deception, Edgar invited Aethelwold on a hunting trip with him, in which his advisor died in an accident, which many believed to be a cover up for his murder.
Regardless, the two of them would marry in 964, and Ælfthryth would go on to be a powerful and influential member of Edgar's court. The two of them would have two sons together, Edmund and Æthelred, but it appears that Ælfthryth may have possessed a strained relationship with Edgar's elder son, Edward. It's possible that she hoped her own sons would take priority in the line of succession, but the extent of which Edgar agreed to this is not certain.
Edgar would then spend his reign travelling around the kingdom as was expected of him. He focused heavily on the Benedictine reforms that he had been raised to follow, as well as uniting all the English, Danes, and Britons within the kingdom.
In 973, he was finally formally crowned as King of the English in a shared coronation with his wife and consort, though the reason for such a delay is not known. It's possible that he was crowned at the beginning of his reign, but that this coronation was a mark of his maturity, and may have been inspired by the more grand ceremonies conducted in Germany. He also appears to have taken part in an occasion which oversaw the meeting of all the kings of the British Isles in Chester. According to Chroniclers at the time, they all pledged themselves as allies to each other, with Edgar recognised as their leader and mediator.
However, Edgar would suddenly pass away just two years later in 975. The circumstances of his death are not known, but it is widely believed to have been from natural causes.
Rule:
Edgar's rule is largely regarded as a great success, owing to its stability and lack of invasions and wars. He was very dedicated to his role as king, ushering in many reforms, including the creation of the shires, increasing the power and influence of the Church, and standardising coins.
His reign was also known for its strong navy, with no Viking attacks being recorded during his rule.
Edgar was also famous for his meeting in Chester with all of the kings of the British Isles, creating powerful alliances, and establishing himself and England as a ruling power within the Christian world. Through this, he also created unity among the different ethnic groups within his kingdom.
Overall, Edgar was a very strong and capable ruler, with the kingdom flourishing and prospering. There is not much evidence of negative incidents occurring, which is often accredited to his well established control over government.
Trivia:
- According to legend, after potentially conceiving his daughter out of wedlock with the nun, Wulfthryth, Edgar agreed to be punished by not wearing his crown for seven years.
Timeline of Reign:
959 | Reunification of England - Wessex, Mercia, York and Northumbria unite into England again.
959 | Return of Dunstan - Dunstan allowed to return to England after banishment.
960 | Edgar runs away with Wulfthryth - The king runs away and marries Wulfthryth of Wilton.
961 | Edgar's penance - Edgar is punished for making Wulfthryth break her religious vows.
964 | Murder of Aethelwold - Nobleman potentially murdered by Edgar or on Edgar's orders.
965 | Standardisation of currency - Coins now have the same designs.
966 | Grant of the New Minster to Christ - Canons driven out of the Church.
973 | Meeting at Chester - All the kings of the British Isles meet peacefully at Chester.
Quotes:
N/A
Sources & Further Reading:
Brain, J. (2022). Edgar The Peaceful. Historic UK. https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Edgar-the-Peaceful/
Edgar | King of England. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Edgar-king-of-England
Edgar from Winchester Charter.jpg - Wikimedia Commons. (2022). Wikimedia.org. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edgar_from_Winchester_Charter.jpg
Miller, N. (2023). King Edgar the Peaceful: The Forgotten Anglo-Saxon Ruler Who Shaped England - Discovery UK. Discovery UK. https://www.discoveryuk.com/monarchs-and-rulers/king-edgar-the-peaceful-the-forgotten-anglo-saxon-ruler-who-shaped-england/
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