Edward III
1042-66
House of Wessex, Restored

Edward was the son of Ethelred II and Emma of Normandy and the half-brother of Hardicanute. He was raised in Normandy and not only lacked military knowledge and skill but surrounded himself with his Norman allies causing tensions with the Saxon Nobles. The most powerful of these was the a powerful earl appointed by Canute, Godwin of Wessex.

Godwin sought to defy Edward, assembling an army against him but he was banished from the kingdom by Edward, with support from the earls of Mercia and Northumberland. Edward had married Godwin's daughter, Edith, in 1045 and after this rebellion, she was sent from court.

Godwin returned in 1052 admist popular support stirred up by the King's ever increasing favour towards the Normans. Godwin and his son Harold godwinsson were restored to favour by Edward and he named Harold his heir as he was dying.

Edward had Westminster Abbey built towards the end of his reign where most monarchs have been crowned since William the Conquerer. Edward was buried there at his death in 1066.