Research Notes:

The first king of a united England. He allowed his Danish subjects to retain Dainsh law. Edgar promoted a monastic revival and encouraged trade by reforming the currency. He iproved defence by organizing coastal naval patrols and a system for manning warships. Although he succeeded on 1 OCT 959, he was not crowned until 11 May, 973, at Bath Abbey, because St. Dunstan, the Archbishop of Canterbury, disappproved of his way of life.

Dunstan, who had been exiled by Edwy, was recalled and appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. Dunstan organised an elaborate coronation for Edgar at Bath and afterwards had a powerful influence on the King. Edgar associated himself closely with the Church and his reign was peaceful and the country was well organised, having a common system of weights, measures and coinage. The courts of justice functioned well and both education and literature flourished. In 973 all the lesser kings, including the Welsh princes, promised allegiance and eight of them made a symbolic gesture by rowing a barge with the King at the helm upon the River Dee.