Ulfcytel Snillingr facts for kids

Ulfcytel Snillingr (died 1016) was an important Anglo-Saxon nobleman. He was a powerful leader in East Anglia from about 1004 until he died in 1016. Even though he acted like an ealdorman (a high-ranking official or regional ruler), official documents called him a "thegn" (a type of lord or warrior). Scandinavian stories called him Ulfkell Snillingr, which means "the Bold."

Who Was Ulfcytel?

Ulfcytel's name comes from Scandinavia. We don't know much about his family. Some historians think he might have been related to a powerful family that ruled in East Anglia and Essex before him.

He was a trusted leader for King Æthelred the Unready. From 1004, Ulfcytel was often present when King Æthelred signed important documents. This shows he was close to the king.

Some old stories say Ulfcytel might have married Wulfhild, who was a daughter of King Æthelred. This would have made him even more connected to the royal family.

Ulfcytel's Battles Against the Danes

Ulfcytel was a brave warrior who led the people of East Anglia in several battles against the Danish invaders.

The Battle of Thetford (1004)

In 1004, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (an old English history book) tells us about a big battle. The Danish King Sweyn Forkbeard led his army into East Anglia. Ulfcytel and other leaders tried to make a peace deal with Sweyn, offering him money.

But the Danes broke the peace. They marched to Thetford. There, Ulfcytel and his East Anglian army fought them. The battle was very tough. The Danes later said they had never faced such fierce fighting in England. Ulfcytel's army caused heavy losses for the Danes. The Danes managed to escape, but they left England without causing more trouble.

The Battle of Ringmere (1010)

Ulfcytel led the East Anglian army again in 1010. This time, they fought the Danes near Ipswich at a place called Ringmere. Sadly, this battle was a big defeat for the English. Many English soldiers died, including important leaders and "countless people."

The Battle of Assandun (1016)

Ulfcytel's last battle was at Assandun on October 18, 1016. He fought alongside King Edmund Ironside against the Danes. In this battle, Ulfcytel was killed. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle lists him among the "chief men of the nation" who died that day.

One Scandinavian story says that Thorkell the Tall, a Danish leader, killed Ulfcytel. This story also says Thorkell then married Ulfcytel's widow. Another story says Ulfcytel was killed by Eiríkr Hákonarson near London.

Ulfcytel is remembered as a bold and important leader who bravely defended East Anglia against the Danish invasions.