Agatha, wife of Edward the Exile facts for kids

Agatha (born before 1030 – died after 1070) was an important royal woman in the 11th century. She was the wife of Edward the Exile, who was a grandson of an English king. Edward was meant to become the next King of England, but he died shortly after returning to England. Agatha's children played a big part in the history of England and Scotland.

Agatha's Family Background

Agatha's exact family origins are a bit of a mystery to historians, but she was likely related to powerful European royal families. Some historians believe she was connected to the royal families of Hungary or Kyiv (modern-day Ukraine). Her marriage to Edward the Exile was important because it connected the old English royal family, known as the House of Wessex, with other powerful European rulers.

Edward the Exile's Story

Edward the Exile was the son of King Edmund Ironside, an English king who ruled briefly before the Danish King Cnut took over England in 1016. After Cnut became king, young Edward and his brother were sent away from England for their safety. This is why Edward is known as "the Exile" – he spent most of his life living outside England.

Edward grew up in different parts of Europe, possibly in Sweden, Kyiv, and then Hungary. He lived in Hungary for many years under the protection of its kings. During this time, he married Agatha.

Children of Agatha and Edward

Agatha and Edward had three children who became very important figures in history:

• Edgar Ætheling: He was the last male heir of the old English royal family. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, some English leaders tried to make him king, but he was never crowned.
• Saint Margaret of Scotland: She married King Malcolm III of Scotland and became a very influential queen. She was known for her good deeds and for bringing English culture and religion to Scotland. She is now a saint.
• Christina: She became a nun and was the aunt of Edgar Ætheling and Saint Margaret.

Return to England

In 1057, Edward the Exile was called back to England by King Edward the Confessor, who was his half-uncle. The king hoped that Edward the Exile would become his heir, as he had no children of his own. However, Edward the Exile died very soon after arriving in England, before he could meet the king or become involved in English politics. This was a great disappointment for those who hoped to restore the old English royal line.

Agatha and her children remained in England after Edward's death. They lived through the dramatic events of the Norman Conquest in 1066, when William the Conqueror took over England.

Agatha's Later Life

Not much is known about Agatha's life after her husband's death. She lived during a time of great change in England. Her daughter, Margaret, went on to become Queen of Scotland, and her son, Edgar, played a role in resisting the Norman rule. Agatha herself likely lived out her days in England, seeing her children become important figures in the history of Britain.

Images for kids

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  11th-century fresco representing the daughters of Yaroslav I

See also

In Spanish: Ágata (esposa de Eduardo el Exiliado) para niños