Eohric of East Anglia facts for kids

A coin remembering King Edmund the Martyr. These coins were often used during Eohric's time.

Eohric was a Viking king from Denmark who ruled East Anglia. He died in the year 902. His name, Eohric, comes from an old English word, which was Eiríkr in Old Norse. We don't know much about Eohric or what East Anglia was like when he was king.

An old history book called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tells us a little. It says that an army from East Anglia attacked lands in Mercia and Wessex. In return, an army from Wessex attacked East Anglia. The Vikings fought against some of the West Saxons at a place called the Battle of the Holme on December 13, 902. King Eohric was killed in this battle.

East Anglia's Viking History

Before Eohric, the region of East Anglia had a tough time. Around the year 869, a huge Viking army called the Great Heathen Army attacked it. During this attack, King Edmund of East Anglia was killed by the Vikings. He later became known as Edmund the Martyr.

After Edmund's death, other kings ruled East Anglia. These included Oswald and Æthelred II. We only know about them because of a few old coins found.

Then came Guthrum, another Viking king. He fought against Alfred the Great, who was the king of Wessex. Guthrum ruled East Anglia in the 880s and also made coins with his name on them. Guthrum died around 890, and Eohric became the new king of East Anglia after him.

The Battle Where Eohric Died

A map showing places linked to the events of 905, according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

King Eohric supported a prince named Æthelwold. Æthelwold was fighting against Edward the Elder, who was the king of Wessex.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tells us what happened. Around the year 902 or 904, Æthelwold and Eohric led an East Anglian army. They raided lands belonging to King Edward, crossing the River Thames. King Edward then led his own army into East Anglia. They caused damage as far north as the Devil's Dyke and the River Wissey.

When King Edward ordered his army to retreat, some of his soldiers from Kent did not obey. They stayed and fought the East Anglian army at the Battle of the Holme. The Vikings won this battle. However, both King Eohric and Prince Æthelwold were killed during the fighting.

After Eohric's death, not much is known about East Anglia's history. This period remained unclear until King Edward the Elder took control of the region later on.