Athelwulf of Wessex facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Athelwulf
King of Wessex
An imaginary portrait by an unknown 18th century artist
Reign	July, 839 - 856
Burial	Stanbridge Earls then the Old Minster, Winchester. Bones now in Winchester Cathedral
Spouse	Osburga Judith a/k/a Judith of the Franks.
Father	Egbert
Mother	Redburga

Athelwulf, also known as Æthelwulf or Ethelwulf, was an important king of Wessex (a powerful Anglo-Saxon kingdom in England) from 839 to 858. He was born around 795 and passed away in 858. Before becoming king, he helped his father, King Egbert, expand their kingdom by conquering areas like Kent, Sussex, and Essex in 825. He was then made the king of Kent in the same year. When his father died in 839, Athelwulf became the King of Wessex.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Athelwulf was born around 795. He was the oldest son of King Egbert of Wessex and his wife Redburga, who was from Francia (what is now France). Some historians believe Athelwulf might have been born in Francia while his father was living there in exile.

In 824, his father, King Egbert, sent Athelwulf to lead an army into Kent. There, Athelwulf successfully removed Baldred, a king who was controlled by the Mercians (another Anglo-Saxon kingdom). After this victory, his father made Athelwulf the King of Kent. This kingdom also included Essex, Surrey, and Sussex. Athelwulf ruled these areas as a "sub-king," meaning he was still under the main authority of his father, the King of Wessex. This experience helped him prepare for his future role as king.

Becoming King of Wessex

Athelwulf became the King of Wessex in 839, taking over from his father. King Egbert had carefully prepared Athelwulf to be his successor. By making him a sub-king, Egbert gave Athelwulf valuable experience in ruling. This made Athelwulf the strongest candidate to become king after his father. Athelwulf followed a similar plan for his own sons, making sure they would be ready to rule after him. One of the first things he did as king was to appoint his son, Athelstan, as the King of Kent.

Dealing with Viking Raids

During Athelwulf's reign, the "ealdormen" became very important. These were powerful local leaders, second only to the king. In the 840s, Vikings started raiding southern England more often. It was these ealdormen who led local armies to fight against the invaders.

In 851, there were three major Viking raids in southern England. The largest attack involved over three hundred ships. The Vikings attacked a place called Acleah in Surrey. Athelwulf and his son Athelbald bravely met the Danes (Vikings) in battle and defeated them. This important victory made Athelwulf known as the most powerful Anglo-Saxon king in England.

Alliances and Family

In 852, Burgred of Mercia, a king who was allied with Wessex, asked Athelwulf for help against Wales. Athelwulf agreed and together they defeated the Welsh leader, Cyngen ap Cadell. Soon after, Athelwulf's daughter, Athelswith, married Burgred and became his queen.

Around early 854, Athelwulf's wife, Osburgh, passed away. His eldest son, Athelstan, also died around this time.

Journey to Rome and New Marriage

In 855, Athelwulf went on a special trip to Rome. He took his youngest son, Alfred the Great, with him. He left the kingdom in the care of his second son, Athelbald. After spending a year in Rome, Athelwulf traveled to the court of Charles the Bald, who was the King of the West Franks (part of what is now France).

Athelwulf spent the summer and fall of 856 there. In October 856, he married Charles's young daughter, Judith. This marriage was mainly a diplomatic alliance, meaning it was a way for the two kings to form a strong partnership. Both Athelwulf and Charles were facing attacks from Vikings, so they formed a common alliance to help each other. Charles insisted that his daughter be crowned queen.

Return to Wessex and Later Life

When Athelwulf returned to Wessex, there was some disagreement about him remaining the main king. To avoid a civil war, he agreed to take the sub-kingship of Kent, which was held by his son Ethelbald. He allowed Ethelbald to become the King of Wessex. Athelwulf died in 858 as the King of Kent.

Family

Athelwulf married Osburh, who was the daughter of Oslac, Athelwulf's butler. They had several children:

• Ethelstan (died 851), who was King of Kent.
• Ethelbald (died 860), who was King of Kent and later King of Wessex.
• Ethelbert (died 866), who became King of Wessex.
• Ethelred (died 871), who also became King of Wessex.
• Alfred (849–899), who became King of Wessex and later King of the Anglo-Saxons.
• Ethelswith (died 888), known as the 'Lady of Mercia', who married Burghred, King of Mercia.
• Judith, who married Eticho, a Count in Ammergau & Breisgau.