St. Edward was born a prince in 1003. He was the son of King Ethelred II and Queen Emma. When he was a young boy he father was unseated from the throne by Danish invasion. Edward and his brother, Alfred, were sent to Denmark to be killed, but the office in charge of the boys had pity on them and sent them to Sweden instead. In Sweden they lived with the King of Hungry and were well educated. Edward’s interests were in religious things. When the boys were grown they moved together to Normandy and waited for an appropriate chance to go home to England.

Edward and Alfred tried in 1035 to take the crown of England back, but Alfred was killed and Edward returned to Normandy. In 1042 Edward went back to England was chosen as king by acclamation. He took the seat of the throne on April 3rd of that year. He was a king that was just and worthy of the kingship. He was well liked a supported by the people of England. Peace was well established in England during his reign as king. He remitted taxes that were unjust. He was known for his generosity to the poor and strangers.  He was also remembered for his piety and love for God. Reportedly he had the gift to heal others by touch. He also built many churches including Westminster Abby. 

http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-edward-the-confessor/

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