Æthelstan Half-King facts for kids
Æthelstan Half-King was a very important and powerful leader, known as an Ealdorman, in East Anglia during the 900s. He worked closely with five different kings of England, including King Edgar the Peaceful, who was like a son to him. Æthelstan's family was also very involved in important events. After King Eadred died in 955, Æthelstan decided to leave his powerful job and become a monk at Glastonbury Abbey.
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Who Was Æthelstan Half-King?
His Family and Early Life
Æthelstan was the son of a powerful Ealdorman named Æthelfrith. His father owned land in places like Somerset, Berkshire, and Middlesex. Æthelstan's mother was Æthelgyth.
He had several brothers who also became important leaders. His older brother, Ælfstan, and his younger brothers, Æthelwold and Ædric, were all Ealdormen in different parts of England, like Mercia, Kent, and Wessex. This shows that his family was very influential.
Starting His Career
Æthelstan became the Ealdorman of East Anglia around 932, thanks to King Æthelstan. The lands he was given had been part of the Danelaw, an area where Vikings had settled. These lands had only recently been brought back under English control after a big battle in 917.
His brother Ælfstan took over their father's role but passed away in 934. Later, Æthelwold became an Ealdorman in 940, and Eadric became one in 942. This shows how powerful and connected Æthelstan's family was in England.
Supporting Monasteries
Æthelstan and his family were big supporters of a movement to improve monasteries. This movement was led by Saint Dunstan and brought the Benedictine rule to places like Glastonbury. This rule was a set of guidelines for how monks should live. Æthelstan helped provide money and land for both Glastonbury Abbey and Abingdon Abbey.
His Wife and King Edgar
Æthelstan's wife was named Ælfwynn. Her family came from the East Midlands. She played a special role as the foster-mother of King Edgar of England. This means she helped raise him. Later, Ælfwynn's lands were used to support Ramsey Abbey, which was rebuilt by important church leaders and Æthelstan's own son, Æthelwine.
Why "Half-King"?
The nickname "Half-King" was first used by a writer named Byrhtferth of Ramsey. He wrote about Æthelstan between 997 and 1002. Byrhtferth said that people called Æthelstan "Half-King" because he was so powerful and wise. He helped the king run the country with his advice. This nickname shows just how much influence Æthelstan had.
Byrhtferth wrote a lot about Æthelstan's family, and many of them were buried at Ramsey Abbey. The family's power in the 900s has been compared to the power of the family of Godwin, Earl of Wessex in the 1000s.
It's possible that Æthelstan didn't choose to become a monk entirely on his own. After his brother Æthelwald died in 962, his family started to lose some of their power in Wessex to another powerful family led by Ealdorman Ælfhere. Even after Ælfhere died, Æthelstan's family didn't get back their old level of dominance.
Æthelstan's Family
Æthelstan had several important children:
- Æthelwald (died around 962): He became Ealdorman of Essex and then East Anglia after his father became a monk. He was the first husband of Queen Ælfthryth, who later married King Edgar.
- Ælfwald: He was called a dux (a type of leader) in official documents.
- Æthelwig: He was also an Ealdorman.
- Æthelsige (died around 986): He became King Edgar's chamberlain, which was an important role in the royal household.
- Æthelwine (died 992): He was Æthelstan's youngest son and became Ealdorman of East Anglia after Æthelwald. From 983, he was the chief Ealdorman. He was married three times.
See Also
