Edward the Confessor (1004-1066), king of the West Saxons. He was the son of Ethelred II and Emma of Normandy. During the days of Danish supremacy he lived in Normandy. On the death of Hardicanute he returned to England at the invitation of Godwine, whose daughter, Edith, he married. In 1042 the Witan, a national assembly of lords and ecclesiastics, placed him on the throne. Edward came of royal lineage, but was not the direct heir. Edward was a man of excellent personal qualities, but he lacked force and decisiveness. During his reign the Normans acquired great influence at court. William the Norman, who afterward conquered England, even went so far as to claim that Edward left him the kingdom of England in his will. Edward died without children; he was succeeded by his wife's brother, Harold, the same who was overthrown by William. Edward caused a notable compilation of laws to be made. This code is known as "The Laws of Edward the Confessor." He died in the odor of sancity, and was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1161.