Ælfwald II of Northumbria facts for kids
Ælfwald was a king of Northumbria, an old kingdom in what is now northern England. He is believed to have ruled for a short time around 806 to 808 AD. His story is a bit mysterious because not many records from his time have survived.
Who Was King Ælfwald?
Becoming King
Some old writings say that Ælfwald became king after the previous king, Eardwulf, was removed from power in 806. One of these old books, called De primo Saxonum adventu, and another one by Roger of Wendover called Flores Historiarum, mention Ælfwald taking the throne. Roger of Wendover even wrote that Ælfwald overthrew Eardwulf.
A Short Reign
It is thought that Ælfwald ruled for about two years. After this, King Eardwulf might have returned to power. Eardwulf was helped by the powerful Emperor Charlemagne and Pope Leo III. Another idea is that Eardwulf's son, Eanred, became king instead of Eardwulf returning.
Evidence from Coins
Even though there are not many written records about Ælfwald, we do have some coins from his time. These coins were made in York by a person called Cuthheard, who was a moneyer (someone who makes coins). Interestingly, Cuthheard also made all the known coins for King Eardwulf. These coins help us know that Ælfwald was indeed a real king.
A Modern Story
A writer from the Lakeland area named W. G. Collingwood wrote a book in 1917 called The Likeness of King Elfwald: A Study of Iona and Northumbria. In this book, he imagined what Ælfwald's life might have been like. Collingwood had studied Northumbria for a long time, and his book was well-liked and has been printed again.
