Expert: Mark Smith - 9/4/2005

Question
Hi Mark,

I was wondering why Edward the Confessor is always referred to as "Edward the Confessor". Why isn't he just plain old Edward?

Thanks
Chris

Answer
Hello Chris. Strictly speaking Edward the Confessor should be known as Edward II as there was an Edward I who reigned from 975 to 978. After William the Conqueror took over in 1066 they started the regnal numbers anew. So there have actually been 10 King Edward's of England not 8.
The title Confessor indicates his saintliness (he was England's most saintly King) and is a term used for someone who has been persecuted for their faith but not martyred. He was known by that name from his death in 1066 until 1161 when he was canonized. So to be strictly accurate he should be known as Saint Edward II, King of England. But if you used that title no-one would know who you were referring to !
Mark