Feast day: January 5th
When did St. Edward the Confessor live: 1003 - 1066
Biography of St. Edward the Confessor:
Edward was born at Islip as the son of King Ethelerd IIand Emma. When the Danes invaded England, Edward was sent to Normandy together with his mother. Canute, the son of the Dane Sweyen who had invaded England, married Emma after Ethelerd's death and he became king of England. When Edward's halfbrother died, he returned to England and became King of England. In 1044, he married Edith. His reign was a time filled by good rules and abolishment of odious taxes. Edward founded St. Peter's Abbey at Westminster, where he was later buried. He died in London in 1161.
Patronage: St. Edward is patron saint of England, of the English kings and against scrofula
Statues and wooden sculpture representing St. Edward the Confessor - portrayal, imagery and emblem: St. Edward is shown as a king with crown, orb and scepter.
At his feet, there is a little snake.