Edward the Confessor

Edward was crowned king of England at Winchester Cathedral on April 3, 1043. His reign marked the restoration of the Anglo-Saxon monarchy after 27 years of Danish rule.

Edward began rebuilding Westminster Abbey in the Norman Romanesque style. The abbey was consecrated in 1065, just before his death, and became the coronation church of English monarchs.

Edward exiled Earl Godwin and his sons after a dispute over the treatment of Norman favorites. Godwin returned with a fleet in 1052, forcing Edward to restore their lands and power.

Edward allegedly promised the English throne to his cousin William, Duke of Normandy, during a visit by William to England. This promise later became the basis for William's claim to the throne.

Edward died on January 5, 1066, at Westminster. His death without a clear heir triggered a succession crisis, leading to the Norman Conquest of England later that year.