Æthelred II of Northumbria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Æthelred |
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AE Styca of Æethelred II
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| King of Northumbria (second time) |
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| Reign | c. 840 – c. 848 or c. 858 – 862 AD |
| Predecessor | Rædwulf |
| Successor | Osberht |
| King of Northumbria | |
| Reign | c. 854 – 858 AD |
| Predecessor | Eanred |
| Successor | Rædwulf |
| Died | c. 862 |
| House | Northumbria |
| Father | Eanred |
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Æthelred was a king of Northumbria, an important kingdom in what is now northern England. He ruled in the middle of the 9th century. His time as king was not always smooth, as he faced challenges to his rule. Æthelred was the son of a previous king, Eanred.
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Who Was King Æthelred?
Æthelred was the son of King Eanred. He became king of Northumbria around 840 AD. His reign lasted for several years, but the exact dates are a bit unclear to historians. Some records suggest he ruled from about 840 to 848 AD. Other sources say his reign was from about 854 to 862 AD.
Challenges to His Rule
During his time as king, Æthelred was briefly removed from power. A person named Rædwulf took over the throne. This happened around 844 AD, or possibly in 858 AD, depending on which historical dates you follow.
However, Rædwulf's rule did not last long. He was killed in the same year he took the throne. Rædwulf died fighting against Vikings, who were raiding parts of England at that time. After Rædwulf's death, Æthelred was able to become king again.
The End of His Reign
Æthelred ruled for a few more years after getting his throne back. Sadly, he was killed, or assassinated, around 862 AD. We don't have many details about how he died. After Æthelred's death, Osberht became the new king of Northumbria.
Coins of King Æthelred
During Æthelred's reign, a special type of coin called a styca was made. These were small coins, mostly made of brass with very little silver. This type of coinage had started during his father Eanred's time.
Many of Æthelred's styca coins have been found by archaeologists. These coins were made in the city of York. Different coin makers, called moneyers, created these coins. One moneyer named Eardwulf worked during this period. Sometimes, people used to confuse him with Æthelred's grandfather, King Eardwulf.
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