Athelbert of Wessex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Athelbert |
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|---|---|
| King of Wessex | |
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| Reign | 860-865 |
| Died | 866 |
| Father | Ethelwulf |
| Mother | Osburga |
Athelbert, also known as Æthelbert, was a West Saxon nobleman who lived in the 9th century. He was a king who ruled parts of England during a time when Viking attacks were becoming more common. He was the king of Kent from 858 to 860. Later, he became the King of Wessex, ruling from 860 until his death in 866.
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King Athelbert's Life
Early Life and First Roles
Athelbert was the third son of King Athelwulf of Wessex and Queen Osburga. His mother, Osburga, was the daughter of Oslac, who was an important person in King Ethelwulf's court. Athelbert first got a taste of ruling in 855. This was when his father, King Ethelwulf, traveled to Rome.
While his father was away, Athelbert was put in charge of the kingdom of Kent. His older brother, Athelbald of Wessex, was left to rule the main West Saxon kingdom. When King Ethelwulf returned from Rome, Athelbald decided he wanted to keep the throne of Wessex.
To avoid a fight or a civil war, their father, Ethelwulf, agreed to a plan. King Ethelwulf took control of Kent, which was a smaller kingdom. Athelbald continued to rule as the King of Wessex. When their father, Ethelwulf, died in 858, Athelbert was once again made king of Kent.
Becoming King of Wessex
In 860, Athelbert's brother, Athelbald, passed away. This meant that Athelbert became the new King of Wessex. At this time, Athelbert still had two younger brothers, Athelred of Wessex and Alfred the Great. However, neither of them were chosen to become the sub-king of Kent.
Instead, King Athelbert decided to combine the kingdom of Kent fully into the larger kingdom of Wessex. This made Wessex stronger and more unified.
Facing the Vikings
During Athelbert's time as king, attacks from Vikings became more frequent. These were fierce warriors from Scandinavia who raided and settled in different parts of Europe. One Viking army even pushed deep into Wessex, reaching a city called Winchester. However, the West Saxon army managed to defeat them there.
A very large Viking force, known as the Great Heathen Army, arrived in England in 865. They landed in East Anglia. This army was much bigger than previous groups and planned to stay in England for a long time. At first, they were more interested in the northern parts of England, especially Northumbria. They took control of the city of York.
After that, the Great Heathen Army moved south into Mercia. They set up their winter camp in a place called Nottingham. King Athelbert died in early 866, while the Great Heathen Army was still active in England. He did not have any children. Because of this, his brother, Athelred of Wessex, became the next king of Wessex.
