Edward the Martyr, c.962–978, king of the English (975–78), son of Edgar by his first wife. Despite the opposition of some of the nobles, Edward succeeded his father to the throne and was crowned. However, he could not control the kingdom and was murdered at Corfe by retainers in the service of his stepmother, Queen Ælfthryth or Ælfrida, and of her son Æthelred. There is no proof that Ælfthryth or Æthelred planned his death, as later tradition said. Edward's body was moved to Shaftesbury, where miracles were reported, and he was regarded as a saint and martyr by the people. Feast: Mar. 18.
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