Ealdred I of Bamburgh facts for kids

Ealdred was an important ruler in a place called Bamburgh. This was in northern England, in a kingdom known as Northumbria, around the early 900s. He was the son of Eadwulf.

Ealdred's Family and Early Life

Ealdred's father, Eadwulf, was a powerful leader. Some old writings called him "king of the Saxons of the North." Other records described him as a 'reeve' (a type of local official) of Bamburgh. Eadwulf died in the year 913.

It's possible that Eadwulf ruled all of Northumbria for a time. This was after two other leaders, Eowils and Halfdan, were killed around 910. An old family tree from the 1100s suggests that Ealdred's father, Eadwulf, was the grandson of a king named Ælla of Northumbria.

Ealdred Becomes a Ruler

After his father died in 913, Ealdred took over as ruler. An old book called the Historia de Sancto Cuthberto says that Ealdred was a good friend of King Edward the Elder. This was just like his father, Eadwulf, who was a favorite of King Alfred the Great.

Around the 910s, a powerful Viking leader named Ragnall ua Ímair attacked Ealdred's lands. Ragnall managed to drive Ealdred out of some of his territory.

The Battle of Corbridge

Ealdred then went to seek help from Constantín mac Áeda, who was the king of Scotland. Ealdred and King Constantín joined forces. They fought against Ragnall at a place called Corbridge. This battle happened in the year 918.

The battle didn't have a clear winner. Ragnall still controlled the southern part of Northumbria. However, Ealdred was able to get back control of his lands in northern Northumbria. This was a big win for him.

Ealdred and the English Kings

In 924, Ealdred showed his loyalty to King Edward the Elder. Then, on July 12, 927, Ealdred was one of several northern rulers who met with King Edward's son, Æthelstan. They met at a place called Eamont Bridge.

At this meeting, Ealdred and the other rulers officially accepted King Æthelstan as their leader. Ealdred's agreement to join Æthelstan's kingdom was very important. Many historians see this moment as the true beginning of the Kingdom of England.

Ealdred's Later Life

Ealdred was still active in the early 930s. He signed some important documents for King Æthelstan in 931 or 932. After that, his name doesn't appear in records anymore.

An old Irish record from 934 mentions that "Adulf m'Etulfe king of the North Saxons died." This might be the only record of Ealdred's death. However, some historians think this might refer to one of Ealdred's brothers instead.

Ealdred's Family Connections

Ealdred was likely the oldest son of Eadwulf. He took over his father's rule in 913. Some historians believe that Ealdred was the father of Oswulf I of Bamburgh. Oswulf later ruled southern Northumbria.

However, another old family tree from the 1100s says that Oswulf's father was actually Eadwulf I of Bamburgh. If this is true, then Ealdred and Oswulf would have been brothers, not father and son. Ealdred also had other siblings, including Uhtred and another brother named Adulf.