Eadwig Ætheling facts for kids

Eadwig Ætheling, also known as Eadwy or Edwy, was a prince in early England. He was one of the six sons of King Æthelred the Unready and his first wife, Ælfgifu. Eadwig was born into the House of Wessex, a powerful royal family. We know he was involved in royal business as early as 993, signing important documents called charters. He died in the year 1017.

A Time of Change in England

England faced many challenges during Eadwig's life. The country was often attacked by Viking armies from Denmark. These attacks led to big changes in who ruled England.

The Danish Conquest

In 1013, a powerful Viking king named Sweyn Forkbeard invaded and conquered England. Eadwig's father, King Æthelred, had to leave England and go to Normandy (a region in France) for safety. But Eadwig stayed in England. He remained with his older brothers, Æthelstan Ætheling and Edmund Ironside. Before this time, Eadwig had not often been seen with his brothers.

New Kings and Challenges

Sweyn Forkbeard died in February 1014. After his death, King Æthelred was able to return to England and rule again. However, the royal family faced more sadness and struggles.

• In June 1014, Eadwig's older brother, Æthelstan, died.
• In April 1016, King Æthelred also died.

After Æthelred's death, two strong leaders wanted to be king of England:

• Edmund Ironside, Eadwig's remaining older brother.
• Cnut, Sweyn Forkbeard's son.

These two fought for control of England. In October 1016, Cnut and Edmund agreed to divide England between them. But just one month later, Edmund died. This left Cnut as the only king of all England.

Eadwig's Later Life

After his brother Edmund died, Eadwig was the last surviving son from his father's first marriage. His life became very difficult under the new king, Cnut.

Exile and Return

In 1016, King Cnut sent Eadwig away from England. This is called being "banished." Then, in 1017, Cnut declared Eadwig an "outlaw." This meant Eadwig had no legal protection.

However, later in 1017, Eadwig and King Cnut made peace. They "reconciled," which means they settled their differences. Eadwig was allowed to come back and live in England.

Eadwig's Death

Sadly, Eadwig died soon after his return in 1017. He was killed, likely because King Cnut wanted him gone. Some believe Eadwig might have been trying to gather people to fight against Cnut in the southwest of England.

After Eadwig's death, the right to claim the English throne passed to his younger half-brother. This was the son of Æthelred's second marriage, who would later become Edward the Confessor.

Eadwig was buried at Tavistock Abbey in Devon, England. This abbey was a special place built by his uncle, Ordwulf.

See also

• House of Wessex family tree