Ecgberht I of Northumbria facts for kids

Ecgberht (died 873) was a king of Northumbria, a kingdom in what is now northern England, during the middle of the 9th century. This time in Northumbrian history isn't very well documented, so we don't know a lot about Ecgberht's life.

Ecgberht Becomes King

Ecgberht first appears in historical records after a big battle. In 867, a large Viking army, sometimes called the Great Heathen Army, attacked the city of York. The kings of Northumbria at the time, Ælla and Osberht, were both killed in this battle.

After defeating the Northumbrians, the Vikings took control. They chose Ecgberht to be the new king. However, he didn't rule on his own. He ruled "under their own dominion," which means he was king because the Vikings allowed it. He ruled for about six years over the part of Northumbria that was north of the River Tyne.

What Was Ecgberht's Role?

Historians believe that Ecgberht's main job was to collect taxes for the Viking army. He probably came from one of the powerful families in Northumbria who were all trying to gain control of the kingdom. The Vikings likely picked him because he could help them manage the land and its people.

End of Ecgberht's Reign

In 872, something important happened. The people of Northumbria, along with their religious leader, Archbishop Wulfhere, forced King Ecgberht out of power. This means they didn't want him as king anymore.

Ecgberht died the next year, in 873. After his death, Ricsige became the new king of Northumbria.