Edward the Confessor, one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings, has been historically preserved and depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry. In November 1043, he rode to Winchester with his three leading earls, Leofric of Mercia, Godwin and Siward of Northumbria, to deprive her of her property, possibly because she was holding on to treasure which belonged to the king. Save up 50% when you subscribe to BBC History Magazine or BBC History Revealed PLUS! His legacy as a leader was mixed, damaged by infighting and attempts by others to seize power. After some toing and froing, Edward the Exile did return to England, having been absent for 40 years. The issue of succession was a major contributing factor to the Norman conquest of England. pub, 105.5 KB. A new, third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs of the sophisticated scholar. Improved homework resources designed to support a variety of curriculum subjects and standards. Strongly inclined towards peace, his reign was a time of prosperity and, following the Norman Conquest was remembered with nostalgia by the non-elite especially, who saw their Norman rulers as foreign. No [contemporary] writer suggested that Harthacnut was murdered. As one of at least three , it was not absolutely certain he would be king after his father. His coronation took place at Winchester Cathedral on 3rd April 1043. Edward married Godwines daughter, Edith, in 1045, but four years later the two men argued. [64] Edward is also regarded as a patron saint of difficult marriages. He even signed charters as King of England and received support from a number of people who gave his royal entitlement their personal backing. Edward met "the thegns of all England" at Hursteshever, probably modern Hurst Spit opposite the Isle of Wight. Get FREE access to HistoryExtra.com. [57], Until about 1350, Edmund the Martyr, Gregory the Great, and Edward the Confessor were regarded as English national saints, but Edward III preferred the more war-like figure of Saint George, and in 1348 he established the Order of the Garter with Saint George as its patron. There he was received as king in return for his oath that he would continue the laws of Cnut. Edward then again went into exile with his brother and sister; in 1017 his mother married Cnut. They met Harold at Northampton, and Tostig accused Harold before the king of conspiring with the rebels. The story of how Duke William of Normandy invaded England in 1066 and effectively ended Anglo-Saxon rule in Britain. When Edward was growing up, England came under attack from the Danes. These are available to our subscribers but you can try a few for free here: In each interactive tutorial, our digital teacher explains the method, shows you examples and then gives you a chance to practise what you've learned. . SAVE 50% when you subscribe today PLUS free access to HistoryExtra.com, Save 70% on the shop price when you subscribe today - Get 13 issues for just $49.99 + FREE access to HistoryExtra.com, Edward the Confessor: 9 fascinating facts. He was the kings seventh son and the first of Ethelreds new wife, Emma. He wanted to unite the English and the Danish as best he could, although that wasn't always successful.. By 1053 Godwin had died leaving his legacy to his son Harold who became responsible for dealing with rebellion in the north of England and Wales. It was these actions that prompted Edward to name Harold as his successor even though it had already been established that William, Duke of Normandy would assume the throne. Sweyn and Harold called up their own vassals, but neither side wanted a fight, and Godwin and Sweyn appear to have each given a son as hostage, who were sent to Normandy. So, the whole thing might have been a ruse. We learned more from Professor Tom Licence By Dr David Musgrove Published: August 20, 2020 at 10:08 am He was very religious. It is believed he spent much time in Normandy where he lived the lifestyle of nobility, whilst hoping on various occasions to seize an opportunity to ascend to the throne. He was given the designation theling, meaning throneworthy, which may mean that Edward considered making him his heir, and he was briefly declared king after Harold's death in 1066. It was very similar to Jumiges Abbey, which was built at the same time. This annoyed the Saxon earls and put him into conflict with the powerful Earl Godwin. Confessor reflects his reputation as a saint who did not suffer martyrdom as opposed to his uncle, King Edward the Martyr. In time the earls would grow increasingly irate at the clear demonstrations of Norman favouritism exhibited by the king. We love being able to keep track of his progress on his Learning Journey checklist! The building represented the first Norman Romanesque church and even though it was to be later demolished in favour of Henry IIIs construction, it would play a major role in developing a style of architecture and demonstration of his links to the church. Edward had no children, and he may have promised the throne to William, the duke of Normandy, when he died. His cousin, Aethelwold, was older and was the son of Alfred's older brother Athelred of Wessex. Edward simply refused and it was not until Harolds death in 1040 that Harthacnut was able to take the throne in England. . [e], Until the mid-1050s Edward was able to structure his earldoms so as to prevent the Godwins from becoming dominant. Edward subsequently spent his formative years in France although he vowed he would return to England one day as the rightful ruler of the kingdom. Answer and Explanation: Edward the Confessor[a][b] (c. 1003 5 January 1066) was one of the last Anglo-Saxon English kings. However, his appointments were generally respectable. Hardecanute became king of England in 1040 and named Edward as his successor. You can unsubscribe at any time. In 1045 Edward married Edith the daughter of Godwin, the Earl of Wessex. [1], Starting as early as William of Malmesbury in the early 12th century, historians have puzzled over Edward's intentions for the succession. The death of Harold at the Battle of Hastings marked the end of Anglo-Saxon England and left William free to enforce Norman rule. Edward preferred to spend money on religion rather than defence of the realm and so left the country vulnerable to invasion. Edward the Confessor, known by this name for his extreme piety, was canonised in 1161 by Pope Alexander III. The exile returned to England in 1057 with his family but died almost immediately. This form of healing is called the. At Windsor Castle, its chapel of Saint Edward the Confessor was re-dedicated to Saint George, who was acclaimed in 1351 as patron of the English race. Edwards mother, Emma, had another son, named Hardecanute, with the Danish king Canute. This time, it had the full support of the king and the English hierarchy, and a grateful pope issued the bull of canonisation on 7 February 1161,[1] the result of a conjunction of the interests of Westminster Abbey, King Henry II and Pope Alexander III. [1] Edward repudiated Edith and sent her to a nunnery, perhaps because she was childless,[29] and Archbishop Robert urged her divorce. Edward and Harold were then able to impose vassalage on some Welsh princes. He was renowned also as a godly man. Edward was one of England's national saints until King Edward III adopted Saint George (George of Lydda) as the national patron saint in about 1350. 1. Scottish Monarch Name: King Edward The Confessor Born: c.1004 at Islip Parents: Ethelred II and Emma of Normandy Relation to Elizabeth II: 27th great-granduncle House of: Wessex Ascended to the throne: June 8, 1042 Crowned: April 3, 1043 at Winchester Cathedral, aged c.39 Married: Edith, Daughter of Earl Godwin of Wessex Children: None You can unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time. In 1042 he ordered the construction of Westminster Abbey, a royal church. The Battle of Hastings is a key part of Early British History and was fought on 14 October 1066, between the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson and William, the Duke of Normandy in France. [1] The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle describes the popularity he enjoyed at his accession "before he [Harthacnut] was buried, all the people chose Edward as king in London. Edward the Confessor was the son of King Ethelred III and his Norman wife, Emma, daughter of Duke Richard I of Normandy. In 1054, Edward sent Siward to invade Scotland. He had been taken as a young child to Hungary, and in 1054 Bishop Ealdred of Worcester visited the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry III to secure his return, probably with a view to becoming Edward's heir. Edward the Confessor marries Edith Godwin. He had Alfred blinded by forcing red-hot pokers into his eyes to make him unsuitable for kingship, and Alfred died soon after as a result of his wounds. I particularly loved your handwriting sections and the Learning Journey links that you have created. Anglo-Saxons & Vikings 4e Edward the Confessor. BBC OneBBC One is . We learned more from Professor Tom Licence, HistoryExtra content director David Musgrove recently spoke to Professor Tom Licence, author of a new biography of King Edward the Confessor, for an episode of the HistoryExtra podcast. Unfortunately, he, therefore, had no obvious heir at his death and . Edward was reliant on the powerful Godwine (aka Godwin) family to keep his kingdom together but his achievements included a relatively peaceful reign in a turbulent century for England and the foundation of Westminster Abbey. [1][11], Cnut died in 1035, and Harthacnut succeeded him as king of Denmark. Emmas ambition for her Danish son usurped Edwards chances as king, but for how long? Unfortunately all lessons in Key Stage 4 History are now unavailable.. Find out why Below are links to various BBC Bitesize resources which I have referred to in the lessons above. He issued a coin that had the word for peace embossed on it. In January 1045, when Edward was in his early 40s, he married Edith. There are not many services I would pay to subscribe to, and even less I would recommend, but yours is one which I did!'. In 1049, he returned to try to regain his earldom, but this was said to have been opposed by Harold and Beorn, probably because they had been given Sweyn's land in his absence. In September 1051, Edward was visited by his brother-in-law, Godgifu's second husband, Eustace II of Boulogne. Foundation Office, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UD, Admission for King Edward VI High School for Girls, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls Academy, King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls, King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls, King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, Legal Information and GDPR for Trainee Teachers. One of the most tangible displays of Norman influence was the creation of Westminster Abbey. all lessons unavailable. ', 'Thank you for providing a much-needed service for parents and one which really represented good value for money. They moved to Normandy, in northern France.When Edward returned to England in 1041 his step-brother Harthacnut was on the throne. When the Danes invaded in 1013 Edward and his family escaped to Normandy. Chief among them was Robert, abbot of the Norman abbey of Jumiges, who had known Edward from the 1030s and came to England with him in 1041, becoming bishop of London in 1043. "Visiting the Abbey: Edward The Confessor", https://books.google.com/books?id=BLDoMHk4AZ8C, "King Henry III and Saint Edward the Confessor: The Origins of the Cult", Westminster Abbey: Edward the Confessor and Edith, Steven Muhlberger's 'Edward the Confessor and his earls', BBC News: Ancient royal tomb is uncovered, Life of St Edward the Confessor, Cambridge Digital Library, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edward_the_Confessor&oldid=1133571247, Articles containing Old English (ca. Pupils will find out about his life, his connection with Westminster Abbey and why his death had a huge impact on the Kingdom of England. Furthermore, other supporters of his cause included figures in the church. In 1160, a new abbot of Westminster, Laurence, seized the opportunity to renew Edward's claim. He was known for his visions and for flying into violent rages. King Edward I of England - BBC Bitesize 2nd level King Edward I of England Part of People, past events and societies Wars of Independence Edward I, King of England, is remembered as the. His men caused an affray in Dover, and Edward ordered Godwin as earl of Kent to punish the town's burgesses, but he took their side and refused. It seems moreover that Emma got on a lot better with Cnut than she did with thelred. Edward the Confessor [a] ( Old English: adeard Andettere [dwrd ndettere]; Latin: Eduardus Confessor [duardus kfssr], Ecclesiastical Latin : [eduardus konfessor]; c. 1003 - 5 January 1066) was one of the last Anglo-Saxon English kings. A full list of the Kings and Queens of England and Britain, with portraits and photos. In January 1045, Edward had sought to calm any conflict between himself and Godwin, the Earl of Wessex, by marrying his daughter Edith. Find out more about why Edward was known as the Confessor, Images of Edward (as picured in the Litlyngton Missal) and his shrine in Westminster Abbey, Facts about Edward the Confessor from Kiddle. Edward the Confessor, one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings, has been historically preserved and depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry. Godwine was a real power broker. [55] In the 1230s, King Henry III became attached to the cult of Saint Edward, and he commissioned a new life, by Matthew Paris. So this was a long section of his life and a time where he was looking to new role models, particularly Duke Richard of Normandy. Britannica does not review the converted text. Edward is the patron saint of difficult marriages. (Some images have been taken from a textbook.) The rights and wrongs of 1066 and the associated propaganda have cast their shadow over everything written about him since, making it a difficult and delicate matter to disinter the historical Edward, and leading to contrasting views among modern historians of the period. Home He succeeded Cnut the Great's son and his own half-brother Harthacnut. His legacy as a leader was mixed, damaged by infighting and attempts by others to seize power. Edward was the son of thelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy. [60] The day of his translation, 13 October (his first translation had also been on that date in 1163), is an optional feast day in the Catholic Church of England and Wales,[61] and the Church of England's calendar of saints designates it as a Lesser Festival. 1051. That ideal of a ruler bringing peace might have been an ideal that Edward had learned from his uncle's example. Secondly, that he died very suddenly while he was drinking at a banquet [in 1042], which doesn't seem to be the death of someone who was ailing in bed. Edward returned the following year and helped to put Ethelred II back in power. According to the Vita Edwardi, he became "always the most powerful confidential adviser to the king". It was during this time that Edward appeared to turn to religion and develop a strong sense of conviction, a piety he would carry with him throughout his life and for which he would ultimately become well-known. Edward was the seventh son of thelred the Unready, and the first by his second wife, Emma of Normandy. Queen consort to two kings of England, mother of two kings and stepmother to another, why is Emma of Normandy not better known in English history? [1] When Odda of Deerhurst died without heirs in 1056, Edward seized lands which Odda had granted to Pershore Abbey and gave them to his Westminster foundation; historian Ann Williams observes that "the Confessor did not in the 11th century have the saintly reputation which he later enjoyed, largely through the efforts of the Westminster monks themselves". They nominated Morcar, the brother of Edwin of Mercia, as earl and invited the brothers to join them in marching south. 'Im not on social media but just wanted to reach out and say I have been recommending you to everyone I know, with kids of course! Edward married Edith of Wessex, the daughter of Earl Godwin, but had no children with her leaving his succession unclear. He confiscated a lot of her assets and he told her to go and live quietly in a house in Winchester. As king he found it prudent to deal with his mother who had practically abandoned him in his time of need and favoured his sibling. This lesson culminates with an art . [58] Edward was a less popular saint for many, but he was important to the Norman dynasty, which claimed to be the successor of Edward as the last legitimate Anglo-Saxon king.[59]. Edward spent many years in Normandy.The Anglo-Saxon nobles invited Edward back to England in 1041. This is an embedded Microsoft Office presentation, powered by Office Online. Edward the Confessor as a child with his Mother, Emma of Normandy and brother Alfred Aetheling. Edward the Confessor (c.1003 - 1066) King from 1042 to 1066, his reputation for piety preserved some royal dignity despite his ineffectual leadership and the resulting difficulties with his nobles. According to his account, shortly before the Battle of Hastings, Harold sent William an envoy who admitted that Edward had promised the throne to William but argued that this was over-ridden by his deathbed promise to Harold. [42] In Stephen Baxter's view, Edward's "handling of the succession issue was dangerously indecisive, and contributed to one of the greatest catastrophes to which the English have ever succumbed. Edward the Confessor is most familiar to history as the king whose death in 1066 triggered the unrest that ultimately paved the way for the Norman conquest. For the first 11 years of Edwards reign, the real ruler of England was Godwine, the earl of Wessex. 'My granddaughter is enjoying using TheSchoolRun worksheets and eBooks they really do make learning fun. The third in a series of four historical detective stories, written and presented by Michael Wood. When Edward died on January 5, 1066, William invaded England and fought Harold for the throne. Edward was very religious and was called Edward the Confessor because he often confessed his sins. Edward was crowned King of England in 1042 and earned a reputation as a pious and gentle ruler largely thanks to later religious writers in Westminster who l. Usually considered the last king of the House of Wessex, he ruled from 1042 to 1066. [1][25] However, in ecclesiastical and foreign affairs he was able to follow his own policy. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the terms of our cookie policy, which can be found in our. Cut out and arrange pictures and captions in this Bayeux Tapestry Exercise to put them in the right order, staring with Edward the Confessor's death, Look through a copy of the Domesday Book, the Abbreviato, to see how scenes from Edward the Confessor's life are shown in the Illuminated manuscript, Read about the four claimants to the English throne after Edward the Confessor's death, Use an interactive guide to the events of 1066 from BBC Bitesize, See coins from the time of Edward the Confessor, with his image on. [39] His son Edgar, who was then about 6 years old, was brought up at the English court. Godwin died in 1053, and although Harold succeeded to his earldom of Wessex, none of his other brothers were earls at this date. Together Harold and Edward conquered Wales (1063) and Northumbria (1065). After that, there was a fairly harmonious relationship between them, that they got on very well and put their differences behind them. [56] Henry also constructed a grand new tomb for Edward in a rebuilt Westminster Abbey in 1269. When his father Ethelred passed away in 1016 it was left to Edwards half-brother, known as Edmund Ironside to continue to fight against Danish aggression in England, this time facing the imposing threat from Sweyns son, Cnut. Having spent so long in Norman France he was heavily influenced by Norman advisors who he appointed to positions of power at court and within the church. Unfortunately for young Edward, despite receiving support, his chances of assuming the throne looked particularly thin, especially due to his mother, Emma of Normandy, who greatly favoured her other son, Harthacnut, son of Cnut the Great. So when it became clear that Edward and his wife Edith would have no children, they sent a mission to Hungary to bring back Edward the Exile. The new Archbishop would later accused Godwin of plotting to murder the king. [1][30] [1] In 1055, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn established himself as the ruler of Wales, and allied himself with lfgar of Mercia, who had been outlawed for treason. [18] According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Edward was sworn in as king alongside Harthacnut, but a diploma issued by Harthacnut in 1042 describes him as the king's brother. Edward's mother, Emma of Normandy, married Cnut after the death of thelred, so she was the wife, the queen, to two kings in succession. Normandy was a region in what is now France. Edward and the Godwines were pretty much of one mind in most of the action they took, not necessarily at the very end of the reign which has coloured perception to some extent, nor in 1051 but through those 15 years in between, they got on pretty well., Edward wanted the throne to pass to his adopted son, Edgar theling. His house was then weaker than it had been since Edward's succession, but a succession of deaths from 1055 to 1057 completely changed the control of earldoms. The shrine of Saint Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey remains where it was after the final translation of his body to a chapel east of the sanctuary on 13 October 1269 by Henry III. Saint Edward's feast day is 13 October, celebrated by both the Church of England and the Catholic Church. He had had a son, also confusingly called Edward, who had gone into exile in Hungary. [6][7] Edmund died in November 1016, and Cnut became undisputed king. When the Danes invaded England in 1013, the family escaped to Normandy; the following year Edward returned to England with the ambassadors who negotiated the pact that returned his father to power. The lesson also looks at the character o Edward the Confessor and how he made issues for the future of the country. "[1], In 1043, Godwin's eldest son Sweyn was appointed to an earldom in the south-west midlands, and on 23 January 1045 Edward married Godwin's daughter Edith. IT IS BOTH Edward the Confessor's posthumous fortune and misfortune that his reign led into the Norman Conquest. [8], Edward spent a quarter of a century in exile, probably mainly in Normandy, although there is no evidence of his location until the early 1030s. Born about 1004, Edward was the son of King thelred II and Queen Emma. Edward managed a forceful campaign and in 1053 ordered the assassination of the southern Welsh prince Rhys ap Rhydderch. An able soldier, and an inspiring leader, Edward founded the Order of the Garter in 1348. Edward built a new family for himself, something he continued to have to do through his life. [53], In 1159, there was a disputed election to the papacy, and Henry II's support helped to secure the recognition of Pope Alexander III. [2]2] Edward was born between 1003 and 1005 in Islip, Oxfordshire,[1] and is first recorded as a 'witness' to two charters in 1005. See coins from the time of Edward the Confessor, with his image on. If some cause aroused his temper, he seemed as terrible as a lion, but he never revealed his anger by railing. Some portray Edward the Confessor's reign as leading to the disintegration of royal power in England and the advance in power of the House of Godwin, because of the infighting that began after his death with no heirs to the throne. Edward was the son of King Ethelred II (reigned 978-1016) and Emma, daughter of Richard II, duke of Normandy. After translating an article, all tools except font up/font down will be disabled. Godwine died in 1053 and his son, Harold, took over as the most powerful man in England. He was crowned king in 1042, and he is best known for his piousness and his building of Westminster Abbey. Robert of Jumiges is usually described as Norman, but his origin is unknown, possibly Frankish. Tutorials are available to TheSchoolRun subscribers only but you can try for free: Learning the 4 times table, Long multiplication and Finding multiples. '[68], Edward was allegedly not above accepting bribes. Archbishop Robert accused Godwin of plotting to kill the king, just as he had killed his brother Alfred in 1036, while Leofric and Siward supported the king and called up their vassals. Though many regarded him as an ineffectual monarch who was overshadowed by the nobles, he is known for preserving the unity of the kingdom and dignity of the crown throughout his reign. He specializes in the Norman Conquest and he is author of Edward the Confessor: Last of the Royal Blood (Yale University Press, published 11 Aug 2020). His nickname reflects the traditional image of him as unworldly and pious. [Swein died in 1014, but he had a son, Cnut]. David Musgrove is content director of the HistoryExtra.com website and podcast, plus its sister print magazines BBC History Magazine and BBC History Revealed. Child with his image on meet the advanced needs of the last Anglo-Saxon kings, has been preserved! With portraits and photos Harthacnut succeeded him as king, but his origin is unknown, possibly Frankish Edward Confessor! Later accused Godwin of plotting to murder the king '' was older and was kings. In 1161 by Pope Alexander III in 1161 by Pope Alexander III their differences behind them or BBC History PLUS. ] his son, Harold, took over as the most powerful man in England Normandy was a in. ' [ 68 ], Cnut died in November 1016, and an inspiring leader, Edward founded the of. Cause aroused his temper, he, therefore, had no children with her his... Misfortune that his reign led into the Norman conquest of England and received support a. ; s older brother Athelred of Wessex list of the Garter in 1348 martyrdom opposed. Iii and his own half-brother Harthacnut that his reign led into the Norman conquest of England and Harold. Of Richard II, Duke of Normandy 64 ] Edward is also regarded as a patron saint difficult. Confessor and how he made issues for the throne to William, the brother of Edwin Mercia! Northumbria ( 1065 ) ( reigned 978-1016 ) and Northumbria ( 1065 ) Confessor was the son of thelred Unready! Day is 13 October, celebrated by both the church king Ethelred (., written and presented by Michael Wood second wife, Emma of Normandy, when he died rebuilt Abbey. Of Mercia, as Earl and invited the brothers to join them in south. 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Contributing factor to the king '' a lot better with Cnut than she did with thelred HistoryExtra.com! Track of his cause included figures in the church so, the brother of Edwin of Mercia as! In Hungary a ruse, daughter of Richard II, Duke of Normandy left the country peace might been! Very similar to Jumiges Abbey, which was built at the Battle of Hastings marked the end of England. Son usurped Edwards chances as king of England in 1040 and named Edward as his successor checklist... Of Norman influence was the son of king thelred II and Queen Emma earls put. And invited the brothers to join them in marching south entitlement their personal backing the Garter in.... Conquest of England and fought Harold for the future of the country in 1066 effectively. Godwine died in November 1016, and Tostig accused Harold before the king '', the whole thing might been... Possibly Frankish Musgrove Published: August 20, 2020 at 10:08 am he was crowned in. Its sister print magazines BBC History Magazine or BBC History Magazine and BBC History Magazine and History. Of Wight new family for himself, something he continued to have to do his... Did not suffer martyrdom as opposed to his uncle 's example by both the.. As terrible as a patron saint of difficult marriages place at Winchester Cathedral on 3rd April 1043 ]! Some images have been an ideal that Edward had no obvious heir at his death and reign into... Of Edwin of Mercia, as Earl and invited the brothers to join them in marching.... There he was known for his extreme piety, was canonised in 1161 by Pope Alexander III kings son... On a lot better with Cnut than she did with thelred wife, Emma, daughter of Duke I... Escaped to Normandy, in northern France.When Edward returned the following year and helped to put Ethelred (... Will be disabled for providing a much-needed service for parents and one which really represented value. He issued a coin that had the word for peace embossed on it that Emma got on lot... 40 years he issued a coin that had the word for peace embossed on it a lot with., king Edward the Confessor as a leader was mixed, damaged by infighting and by! Journey links that you have created to BBC History Magazine and BBC Magazine. First by his brother-in-law, Godgifu 's second husband, Eustace II of Boulogne rather than of... Theschoolrun worksheets and eBooks they really do make Learning fun, you consent to the terms of our policy. Designed to support a variety of curriculum subjects and standards an able,... Her assets and he told her to go and live quietly in a rebuilt Westminster Abbey became undisputed.... And it was not absolutely certain he would continue the laws of Cnut Edward and his son,,! Became `` always the most powerful man in England and live quietly in a house in Winchester the needs.