King Edgar the Peaceable died on 8th July 975 AD aged a mere 33 years. 2025 is 1050 years since his death.
Edgar was the King of the Mercians and Northumbrians from 957 who became King of the West Saxons, or Wessex, in 959 and is reckoned as King of all England from that year until his death in 975. He was efficient and tolerant of local customs, and his reign was peaceful.
He became King of all England on his brother Eadwig's death. He was the younger son of King Edmund I and his first wife, Ælfgifu.
Perhaps he is best remembered as the one who was rowed up the river by eight sub-Kings on 11th May 973 AD, which doubtless made him less than popular in their kingdoms!
His coronation ceremony is the one which forms the template for that used by UK monarchs today and was indeed the one used by the current King.
One of the first kings to rule a united England, his reign was remembered as a Golden Age of peace and prosperity. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records his death with a moving poem.
