Ælfweard, King of Wessex

Ælfweard was the second son of Edward the Elder and the eldest born to his second wife, Ælfflæd. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentions that he died shortly after his father's death, without explicitly attributing a reign to him. However, the Textus Roffensis lists him as his father's successor with a brief reign of four weeks.

Conflicting sources have led to different interpretations of Ælfweard's status as king. Some historians suggest he succeeded his father in preference to his older half-brother Æthelstan, while others believe Æthelstan was the sole heir. A divided rule has also been proposed, with Ælfweard recognized as king in Wessex and Æthelstan in Mercia.

Ælfweard died on 2 August 924 at Oxford and was buried at the New Minster, Winchester. After his death, Æthelstan was not crowned King of the Anglo-Saxons until 4 September 925.