Our  patron Saint, St. Edward the Confessor (1003-1066) was King of England in turbulent times and at a turning point in our history. In the difficult years  that followed his reign his rule was remembered as a period of peace maintained,  beyond human expectation, as Danish and Norman powers struggled with one another  for supremacy.

Miracles were also remembered, effected by the touch and the prayers of a king who was  felt to have been especially close to his people. In time legends came to abound.

At the celebration of his Feast (13th October) we pray:

Sovereign God,
who set your servant Edward
upon the throne of an earthly kingdom
and inspired him with zeal for the kingdom of heaven:
grant that we may so confess the faith of Christ by word and deed,
that we may, with all your saints, inherit your eternal glory;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

An short account of Edward’s importance can be found here:
(http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05322a.htm).

A popular mediaeval biography can be read here:
(www.catholic-forum.com/saints/golden291.htm).

Aelred of Rievaulx (1109-1166) also wrote a biography of Edward which can be read
(in  Latin) here:
(http://www.documentacatholicaomnia.eu/02m/1110-1167,_Aelredus_Rievallensis_Abbas,_Vita_Sancti_Edwardi_Regis_Et_Confessoris,_MLT.pdf)