Edward the Martyr (963-979), king of England. He succeeded his father Edgar in 975. He was the oldest son and was entitled to the throne, but his succession was opposed by a party that claimed that Edward was too much under the influence of the monks. In fact, his coronation was brought about through the influence of Dunstan. Edward ruled but four years. While hunting in Dorsetshire he called at Corfe Castle, the home of his stepmother Elfrida. As he sat on his horse drinking a glass of liquor, one of Elfrida's servants stabbed him in the back. He dug his spurs into his horse, but he became so faint with loss of blood as to lose his seat. He was found dragging in the stirrup,--dead. The manner and cause of his death gained him the name of "The Martyr."