Kings and Queens of the United Kingdom - Part One

1. Egbert (771/5-775) Reigned 802 - 839

Egbert was born in the year 771 or 775 in the Kingdom of Wessex. He reigned as the first king of England from 802-839. Historians disagree with the origins and life of Egbert and very little is known about his life, the name of his wife is unknown but he did have a son named Aethelwulf. During his reign he took part in the battle of Ellandun, which marked the end of the Mercian domination of southern England. Egbert died in 839 in his late 60s and was buried in Winchester. He was succeeded by his son Aethelwulf.

2. Aethelwulf (C825-858) Reigned 839-856/8

Aethelwulf was born around 825 to Egbert and his wife in Wessex. He reigned from 839 to 856. He was married twice first to Osburh and then to Judith of Flanders (844-870), Egbert had 6 children. Aethelstan King of Kent (Died 852), Aethelswith Queen of Merica (838-888), Aethelbald King of Wessex (Died 860), Aethelberht King of Wessex (Died 865), Aethelred the 1st of Wessex (845/8-871) and Alfred the Great (848/9-899).

Aethelwulf's reputation amongst historians in the 20th Century was a poor one he was seen as impractical and excessively religious with his pilgrimage being viewed as a desertion of his duties. However in the 21st Century he is seen differently as a king who extended the power of his dynasty and commanded the respect of a continent.

Aethelwulf died the 13th of January 858 and was buried in Steyning, then Winchester, he was succeeded by his son Aethelbald.

3. Aethelbald King of Wessex (died 860) Reigned 855/8 - 860

It is unknown when Aethelbald was born, but he was likely born in Wessex, he reigned from 855/8 to 860. He married Judith of Flanders his stepmother ( 12 at the time) , with his younger brother Alfred stating the union was against god. Aethelbald had no children. Towards the end of his fathers life he commanded the kingdom be split in two Wessex and Kent, with Aethelbald reigning Wessex. Unfortunately little is known of Aethelbald's reign he died in 860 and was buried in Dorset. He was succeeded by Aethelberht.

4. Aethelberht King of Wessex (C854-865) Reigned 860-865

Aethelberht was born c.854 to Aethelwulf and his wife Osburth. He reigned from 860-865, it is unknown weather he had a spouse or any children. Aethelbert during his reign reunited the kingdoms of Wessex and Kent , he died in the autumn of 865 and was buried at Sherborne Abbey in Dorset next to his brother Aethelbald but unfortunately both tombs have been lost since the 16th century. He was succeeded by Aethelred 1st of Wessex.

5. Aethelred 1st of Wessex (845/8 - 871) Reigned 865-871

Aethelred was born in the year 845 or 848 to Aethelwulf and his wife Osburth. He reigned from 865 to 871, his spouse was Wulfthryth of Wessex and had two sons Aethelhelm (died 890) and AethelWold (died 902). Attacks by the Vikings became more frequent during Aethelred's reign and he was not on good terms with his two sons who argued over their fathers will when he died. Aethelred died in 871 and was buried at the Royal Minister at Wimborne in Dorset. He was succeeded by Alfred the Great.

Part 2 - Coming Soon!