4. Ignoring the disputed reigns of Lady Jane Grey and the Empress Matilda, only one English or British monarch since the time of William I in 1066 has reigned for a shorter period than that of Edward VIII. Which one?
From Quiz King Edward VIII of England
Answer:
Edward V
Edward VIII became king on the death of his father, George V, on January 20 1936. Just 326 days later, on December 11 that same year, he abdicated the throne, leaving his brother, Bertie, to ascend as King George VI.
In addition to Lady Jane Grey (9 days) and the Empress Matilda (208 days), there have been a total of five other English monarchs (and one Welsh one) whose reigns were shorter than Edward VIII.
When I originally wrote the question, I asked who was the only monarch since the Norman Conquest to reign for a shorter time for Edward, but the astute amongst you might quite reasonably claim that King Edgar II was a correct answer. Edgar claimed the throne on October 15 1066, the day after the Battle of Hastings, and technically reigned for 63 days until William the Conqueror became king on December 17.
The only British monarch since William I to reign for as a shorter period was Edward V, one of the "Princes in the Tower" who disappeared mysteriously. Edward V became king at the age of 12 when his father, Edward IV, died on April 9 1483. The young boy's reign officially lasted just 78 days, although exactly when he died is unknown. What is certain is that his uncle claimed the throne as Richard III on June 26 that same year.
Of the alternatives: Edward VI, King Henry VIII's only legitimate son, became king when he was nine years old in 1537. He died six and a half years later. John, although an unpopular king, actually reigned for more than 17 years from 1199 until 1216. Richard II lasted even longer -- a reign of over 22 years from 1377 until 1399. The next shortest reign after Edward VIII is actually that of Edward V's probably-evil uncle, Richard III, who lasted only 2 years and 57 days before being killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.