Edward the Martyr's reign was marked by conflict with his stepmother, Queen Dowager Ælfthryth, and her family, the Wulfings. Ælfthryth and her family were powerful nobles who were determined to control the young king and his government. They were also rivals of the powerful noble family, the Aethelings, who were supporters of Edward. This led to a power struggle between the two families, with the Wulfings ultimately gaining the upper hand.

Edward the Martyr's reign was marked by conflict with his stepmother, Queen Dowager Ælfthryth, and her family, the Wulfings. Ælfthryth and her family were powerful nobles who were determined to control the young king and his government. They were also rivals of the powerful noble family, the Aethelings, who were supporters of Edward. This led to a power struggle between the two families, with the Wulfings ultimately gaining the upper hand.

During his reign, Edward also had to deal with several Viking invasions. In 978, the Danish Viking leader Sweyn Forkbeard led an invasion of England, but was repelled by Edward's forces. However, this invasion may have weakened the kingdom and contributed to the instability that led to Edward's murder later that year.

Edward's death was attributed to his stepmother and her allies, who were suspected of arranging his murder at Corfe Castle in 978. The exact circumstances of his death are not known, but it is believed that he was murdered while visiting the castle.

After his death, Edward's half-brother, Æthelred the Unready, succeeded him as king of England. However, Æthelred's reign was marked by further Viking invasions and the eventual conquest of England by the Danish king Cnut in 1016.

King Edward the Martyr's reign was relatively short, lasting only a few years, so he did not have much time to achieve significant accomplishments. However, it is known that he was a strong and capable leader who tried to maintain the stability of his kingdom.

During his reign, Edward was able to repel a Viking invasion led by Sweyn Forkbeard in 978, which may have helped to maintain the security of his kingdom. He also tried to maintain good relations with the Church, and it is believed that he made donations to several monasteries.

It is also said that he was a fair and just ruler, who tried to maintain the peace and stability of his kingdom and help his subjects, which were considered as a good achievement.