Timeline Wednesday 18 March 978

Events on Wednesday 18 March 978 2

• 962 – 978 Edward the Martyr (962-978) Died 18 March 978, aged 16 Edward became King of the English in 975 but faced opposition over the division of church lands and the succession. He was murdered at Corfe Castle in 978, probably at the instigation of his stepmother's household, clearing the way for his half-brother Aethelred the Unready. He was later regarded as a martyr and canonized.
• 978 Murder of King Edward the Martyr Young English king killed at Corfe Castle Edward, King of the English, was murdered while visiting his stepmother Queen Aelfthryth at Corfe Castle in Dorset, reportedly stabbed by members of her household. His death ended a brief and contested reign and brought his young half-brother Aethelred to the throne. Edward was later venerated as a martyr and saint.