Edward was born c. 1004 CE, had a lonely childhood, his father died in 1016, and he took refuge in Normandy with his mother's relatives after Canute's conquest of England. His mother was married to Canute for 18 years, became very Danish, and when Canute died in 1035 Edward rejoined his mother. His mother hardly made him feel welcome upon his return - she had a child by Canute named Hartha Canute. When Hartha Canute died, Edward's path to the throne was clear.
In 1045 he married Godwin's (Earl of Essex) daughter Edith. In 1051 he rebelled and sent old Godwin, Edith's brother Harold, and the rest of the Godwins packing. Edith was sent off to a nunnery. Since Edward spent most of his life among the Normans, it is said that out of his gratitude for the hospitality shown by the Normans when he was in exile, Edward promised the English throne to his relative -William the Ba-stard.
Edward had to accept the restoration of Godwin power, when old Godwin and his son Harold sailed up the Thames and the fleet that Edward raised refused to fight. Harold held the power even after his father's death in 1053 - whereupon he took the title Earl of Essex. Edward was compelled to bring his wife back from the nunnery, although it was rumoured he refused to have sexual relations with her. Edward built a home on the riverbank, the site of today's Houses of Parliament, and he spent his days there praying and reading his Bible.
Edward was a confirmed saint, and died in December 1065. Since he failed to have any children, the successor came down to a contest between Harold and the Duke of Normandy, William the Ba-stard.
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