Edward the Confessor

Edward the Confessor reigned over England from 1042 to 1066. His reign was a period of relative peace marked by profound religious devotion. He is most famous for founding and funding the great Westminster Abbey, consecrated shortly before his death. His sainthood is associated with his justice, his charity, and the vow of chastity attributed to him by hagiographical tradition, to which we also owe the explanation of his lack of a direct heir. This situation led to the succession crisis of 1066 and the Norman Conquest of England by William the Conqueror. He was canonized in 1161 by Pope Alexander III.