Norman from mother part, in the first period of his life, he lived in exile in France in order to escape from the Danish invasion. Crowned king of England in 1043, he found himself to be a mediator between the Normans and the Saxons and this brought him many difficulties. In order to try to reconcile the opposing sides he married Edith, the cultured and intelligent daughter of his main political adversary. The wedding was initially conceived for political interests but later the two found themselves agreeing on many things. Mild and generous, Edward left an indelible trace to the English people who loved him not only for having approved some good administrative laws but, mainly, for his goodness, for the charity he did to those who needed it and for the holiness of his life. It is thanks to him that the monastery of Westminster has been restored.
There are two saints named Edward, and both were kings of England. The first one, uncle of the second, is Saint Edward Martyr. The second, remembered even today, is referred to as "the Confessor", because he openly declared his Christian faith during all of his Reign. Not only he declared it but he lived it by teaching his people and giving them a perfect example, which everyone followed. .
Edward was a victorious King, not but a great leader. He was very spiritual but not a strong Monarch. He was charitable but not a tactician. Edward had little authority, and his popularity was due to affection not real enthusiasm. Having been educated at the Court of Normandy, he felt a stranger when he came to his Native Country in 1042, to become king. He had the aspect and elegance of a king but nevertheless remained a modest man. The norms that guided his life from youth to old age were: prayer, mercy, charity and frugality.
He wasn't able though, to contrast the heads of aristocracy, who abused of his power granting themselves more privileges.
