National Edward Day – July 21, 2024

History of National Edward Day

Edward was one of the most famous names in Anglo-Saxon England, but Norman and Plantagenet dynasties had all but abolished its use among the upper class. During the reign of Henry III, the name regained its prestige after the king named his firstborn son Edward I. King Henry III was obsessed with the last Anglo-Saxon king Edward the Confessor. He hoped that conferring the name to his son would inspire a cult following around him. Edward, I grew to be a powerfully built and intimidating man, earning him the moniker Longshanks. He was a highly effective king who ruled until he died in 1307.

Edward Christopher Sheeran, better known by his stage name Ed Sheeran, is a British musician. Sheeran began writing songs at 11 and picked up guitar lessons while at it. Having sung in the Church choir since he was four, his background gave him a good foundation for the music industry. Sheeran’s classmates voted him most likely to become famous. He signed with Asylum Records in 2011, capitalizing on his massive online notoriety and social media following as an independent artist. Sheeran’s music is known for its catchy tunes, with many hits like ‘Shape of You’ and ‘Perfect’ becoming instant earworms. He’s dabbled in acting, including minor roles in “Game of Thrones” and “Red Notice” (2021).

Whistleblower Edward John Snowden made international news when he revealed the extent of illegal and unethical U.S. government spying practices against its citizens in 2013. Snowden, who had worked for the N.S.A., leaked highly classified and sensitive information after his misgivings about the ethics of their work were ignored. The 39-year-old North Carolina native lives in exile in Moscow, Russia, with his wife Linda Mills and their two children.