Aethelwulf
Æthelwulf (also spelled Aethelwulf, or Ethelwulf) was the King of Wessex from 839 to 858 CE. He was a significant…
Æthelwulf (also spelled Aethelwulf, or Ethelwulf) was the King of Wessex from 839 to 858 CE. He was a significant figure in early medieval English history, known for his efforts to defend his kingdom against Viking invasions and for his pious nature, which was reflected in his pilgrimage to Rome. Æthelwulf was also the father of several notable sons, including Alfred the Great, who would later become one of England’s most famous kings.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family: Æthelwulf was born around 795 CE. He was the son of King Egbert of Wessex, who had successfully unified much of southern England under his rule, and Queen Redburga. Æthelwulf was likely raised in a royal environment that emphasized both martial and religious education, as was typical for a prince of his time.
Sub-King of Kent: Before becoming king of Wessex, Æthelwulf ruled as the sub-king of Kent, a position he held under his father’s overlordship. This role gave him experience in governance and military matters, preparing him for his eventual kingship.
Reign as King of Wessex
Ascension to the Throne:
Becoming King (839 CE): Æthelwulf became king of Wessex upon the death of his father, Egbert, in 839 CE. At the time, Wessex was one of the most powerful of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and Æthelwulf inherited a realm that had been strengthened and expanded by his father’s conquests.
Defense Against the Vikings
Viking Invasions: Æthelwulf’s reign was marked by the increasing threat of Viking invasions. The Norsemen, who had begun raiding England in the late 8th century, intensified their attacks during Æthelwulf’s reign. The most serious threat came in 851 CE, when a large Viking army landed in southern England and attacked the kingdom.
Battle of Aclea (851 CE): One of Æthelwulf’s most significant military achievements was his victory at the Battle of Aclea (believed to be in present-day Surrey) in 851 CE. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Æthelwulf and his son Æthelbald defeated the largest Viking force that had yet landed in England, killing many of the invaders and driving them back to their ships. This victory provided a temporary reprieve from the Viking threat and bolstered Æthelwulf’s reputation as a warrior king.
Religious Devotion and Pilgrimage
Piety and Church Relations: Æthelwulf was known for his deep religious faith. He was a generous patron of the Church, donating land and wealth to monasteries and promoting Christian learning. His reign was characterized by a close relationship with the Church, which was a key institution in Anglo-Saxon society.
Pilgrimage to Rome (855 CE): In 855 CE, Æthelwulf undertook a pilgrimage to Rome, an event that underscored his piety and devotion to Christianity. He traveled with a large retinue, including his youngest son, Alfred (later known as Alfred the Great). During his stay in Rome, Æthelwulf made substantial donations to the churches of St. Peter and St. Paul. He also met with Pope Leo IV, who reportedly treated him with great honor and respect. This pilgrimage was a significant event in Æthelwulf’s reign and had a lasting impact on his son Alfred, who would later emphasize Christian values in his own rule.
Succession and Division of the Kingdom
Division of the Kingdom: Upon his return from Rome in 856 CE, Æthelwulf found his kingdom in a state of tension. His eldest surviving son, Æthelbald, had taken advantage of his absence to position himself as a co-ruler of Wessex, likely with the support of some of the Wessex nobility. To avoid conflict, Æthelwulf agreed to divide the kingdom: he retained control of the eastern territories, including Kent, Essex, and Sussex, while Æthelbald ruled Wessex proper. This arrangement allowed Æthelwulf to maintain his authority while ensuring a smooth succession for his son.
Marriage to Judith: Also upon his return, Æthelwulf married Judith, the daughter of Charles the Bald, King of West Francia (modern-day France). This marriage, which took place in 856 CE, was politically significant, as it strengthened ties between Wessex and the Carolingian Empire. Judith was crowned queen, a rare honor for a queen consort in Anglo-Saxon England, reflecting the influence of Frankish customs.
Death and Legacy
Death (858 CE): Æthelwulf died on January 13, 858 CE, after a reign of nearly 20 years. He was buried at Steyning, in Sussex, although his remains were later moved to Winchester, the traditional burial place of the West Saxon kings.
Succession: After Æthelwulf’s death, his kingdom was divided among his sons. Æthelbald continued to rule Wessex, while Æthelberht, another of Æthelwulf’s sons, became king of Kent and the eastern territories. Æthelwulf’s other sons, Æthelred and Alfred, would also eventually become kings of Wessex, with Alfred going on to achieve lasting fame as Alfred the Great.
Historical Impact: Æthelwulf’s reign is often seen as a transitional period in the history of Wessex. He successfully defended his kingdom against external threats and maintained internal stability, setting the stage for the future successes of his sons, particularly Alfred the Great. His piety and support for the Church also helped to reinforce the Christian identity of the kingdom, which would play a crucial role in the later unification of England.
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