Eadweard

Eadweard was the eldest of the children born to King Æthelred Unræd and Emma, daughter of Richard, duke of the Normans. In 1013, Æthelred and his family were forced to flee into exile when Sweyn seized the English throne. Eadweard lived in Normandy until 1041, when he was called back to England by his half-brother, King Harthacnut. In some way Eadweard was associated with the kingship [4], but he was not consecrated during Harthacnut's lifetime. When the latter suddenly died on 8 Jun 1042, the royal council (witan) elected Eadweard as his successor. He was consecrated on Easter (3 Apr 1043) by Archbishop Edsige. Relying on the support of earls Leofric and Godwine, Eadweard stripped his powerful mother of her property and influence. He married Edith, daughter of Godwine, who continuously dominated the reign of his son-in-law until 1051. This year Godwine and his sons were banished for opposing the king's Norman favorites. In 1051 William, duke of Normandy (future King William the Conqueror) paid Eadweard a visit during which the king may have promised William succession to the English throne, but it was never proved. Godwine and his sons returned with an army in 1052 and were pardoned. With the death of Godwine (15 Apr 1053), his son, Earl Harold (later King Harold), took over the administration of kingdom as Eadweard devoted himself to religion and church affairs. In 1054 the English army invaded Scotland to secure the succession of Malcolm III, who was eventually installed as King of Scots in 1058. Harold led a number of raids against the Welsh and distinguished himself in the battles. Eadweard had no children and his nephew, the son of King Eadmund Ironside, Eadweard the Exile, was recalled from his exile in 1057. His sudden death soon after his arrival in England left Harold as the most probable candidate to the throne. Eadweard suffered a stroke in 1065 and died soon after the consecration of Westminster Abbey (28 Dec 1065). Biography sources: [5][6][7][8][9][10]