Beornwulf of Mercia facts for kids

Beornwulf's defeat at the Battle of Ellandun changed Mercia's power.

Beornwulf was a powerful nobleman who became the King of Mercia. He took the throne from King Ceolwulf I in the year 823. Beornwulf ruled Mercia for about three years until he died in 826.

Beornwulf Becomes King

Not much is known about Beornwulf's family. He played a big role in King Ceolwulf I losing his power in 823. Beornwulf then became the new king of Mercia in the summer of that same year.

He continued a war against a region called Powys. This war had been started by earlier Mercian kings. By the end of 823, Mercia had taken control of Powys. By 825, Beornwulf had also gained power over areas like Kent, Essex, and Middlesex.

The Battle of Ellandun

In 825, Beornwulf decided to invade Wessex, another powerful kingdom. However, King Egbert of Wessex defeated Beornwulf at the Battle of Ellandun. This battle was very important. Many historians say it marked the end of Mercia's main power over England.

After this big defeat, King Egbert sent his son, Athelwulf, with an army. Their goal was to remove Baldred, a Mercian leader in Kent. Because of this, several regions, including Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and East Anglia, joined King Egbert of Wessex.

Beornwulf's Final Battle

King Egbert was careful. He knew Mercia still had a strong army. So, he did not attack Mercia directly. Instead, he encouraged the people of East Anglia to rebel against Beornwulf.

In 826, Beornwulf tried to take back control of East Anglia. But during this attempt, he was killed. After his death, one of his important leaders, Ludeca of Mercia, became the next King of Mercia.

Images for kids

• 

  A silver coin of Beornwulf

See also

In Spanish: Beornwulf de Mercia para niños