On 1st October 959, Edgar ascended the English throne upon the death of his brother Eadwig.
Edgar was King of Marcia from 957 while Eadwig ruled Wessex, the border being the route of the River Thames. It is unsure whether the differing kingdoms was because of unrest within Edgar’s supporters of Eadrig’s incompetence or if it had been previously agreed between them.
It is most likely that Eadwig’s death prevented civil war breaking out between the rival followers of the two brothers and subsequently Edgar took control as King of all England with his former tutor Ethelwald becoming very powerful at court.
Edgar has been described as enigmatic and elusive, mainly because of the little information that has been handed down about his reign. It is known that it came during a lull in Viking attacks and is considered as a golden age when England was free from attack and internal disorder. He was considered a stern judge and England underwent an unlikely period of stability throughout his reign.
He died in 975, having ruled for 16 years, but was only in his early 30s at death. Known as Edgar the Peaceable, he is regarded as a saint by the Catholic church and is buried at Glastonbury Abbey.
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