Edward the Martyr

Edward, later called the Martyr (c. 962–978), was the eldest son of King Edgar and ruled the English from July 975. On Edgar's death his claim was disputed against his young half-brother Æthelred, but Archbishop Dunstan secured his succession. His short reign saw an anti-monastic reaction, as nobles seized back lands granted to monasteries.

On 18 March 978 he was murdered at Corfe while visiting Æthelred's household; later tradition blamed Æthelred's mother. His body was translated to Shaftesbury Abbey in 979, and he was venerated as a saint.