Weohstan, ealdorman of Wiltshire facts for kids
Weohstan was an important leader in the ancient kingdom of Wessex around the year 800. He was known as an ealdorman of Wiltshire. An ealdorman was a high-ranking official, like a governor or a military commander, who ruled a region for the king. Wessex was one of the main Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in what is now England.
Who Was Weohstan?
Weohstan lived during a time when England was made up of several smaller kingdoms. He was a powerful figure in Wiltshire, a region within the kingdom of Wessex. His main role was to lead the local army and manage the area for the king.
The Battle of 802
A very important event in Weohstan's life happened in the year 802. On this day, King Beorhtric of Wessex died. Also on the same day, another ealdorman named Æthelmund, from a group called the Hwicce, attacked Wiltshire.
Weohstan quickly gathered the Wiltshire army to defend their land. A big battle took place. Weohstan's army won the fight, stopping the invasion. However, both Weohstan and Æthelmund were killed during this battle.
Weohstan's Family and Legacy
Some old stories say that Weohstan was involved in founding Wilton Abbey. This story comes from a poem written in the 1400s called the Chronicon Vilodunense.
The poem also says that Weohstan's wife was named Alburga. She was the half-sister of King Ecgberht, who became the new king of Wessex after Beorhtric. According to the story, Alburga later became the leader, or abbess, of Wilton Abbey.
Historians have different ideas about this story. Some believe it might be true, while others, like Sarah Foot and Elizabeth Crittall, think it is not accurate.
