This article is devoted to the analysis of the plots and components that construct the image of S t. Edward the Confessor in “The Life of Blessed Edward, King of England”. This work was written in the first half of the 12th century by Osbert of Clare, the prior of Westminster Abbey. Osbert sought to prove both the sanctity of Edward the Confessor and the privileges of the abbey granted by St Edward. Interest in this work is caused by the fact that the question of constructing the image of Edward the Confessor in the hagiographic tradition has been little studied. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand how individual stages of the process took place and how this or that work about Edward the Confessor supplemented, developed or broke this tradition. The uniqueness of “The Life of Blessed Edward, King of England” lies in the fact that it is rightfully the first hagiographical work about Edward the Confessor, which meets all the requirements of this genre. As a result, it has been proven that the work of Osbert of Clare was an important means in justifying the sanctity of Edward the Confessor. Osbert not only rebuilt the holy biography of Edward the Confessor, but also added new elements that became part of the anatomy of King Edward’s sanctity.
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