Edward the Confessor succeeded by Harold Godwinson, who was defeated and killed in the same year by the Normans under William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. Edgar the Ætheling, who was of the House of Wessex, was proclaimed king after the Battle of Hastings in 1066, but never ruled and was deposed after about eight weeks. Historians disagree about Edward's fairly long (24-year) reign. His nickname reflects the traditional image of him as unworldly and pious. Confessor reflects his reputation as a saint who did not suffer martyrdom, as opposed to King Edward the Martyr. Some portray Edward the Confessor's reign
Iste confessor the day whereon the Lord’s true witness trns John O’Conner 1902 <poem> 1 This is the day whereon the Lord’s true witness, 2 Loving, far-seeing, lowly, modest minded, 3 Oft hath it been thro’ his sublime deserving 4 Wherefore to him we raise the solemn chorus, 5 Healing and power, grace and beauteous honour </poem> The Confessor of Christ, from Shore to Shore trn Fr. Edwards Caswall, 1849 <poem> 1 The Confessor of Christ, from shore to shore 2 Holy and innocent were all his ways; 3 Ofttimes his merits high in every land, 4 Therefore to him triumphant praise