Æthelstan Ætheling
c. 980s - 25 June 1014
House: Wessex
Æthelstan Ætheling, born in the early or mid-980s, was the eldest son of King Æthelred the Unready and his first wife, Ælfgifu. He was the heir apparent to the English throne until his death. Æthelstan is first recorded as a witness to a charter of his father in 993, and he likely spent part of his childhood at Æthelingadene, Dean in west Sussex, under the influence of his paternal grandmother, Ælfthryth.
During his life, Æthelstan formed a friendship with Sigeforth and Morcar, prominent thegns of the Five Boroughs of the East Midlands. In December 1013, the Danish king Sweyn conquered England, forcing King Æthelred into exile in Normandy, though Æthelstan and his brothers probably remained in England. Æthelstan was last mentioned in a charter dated 1013 and was known as a "warrior prince" with a substantial collection of swords and war gear.
Æthelstan Ætheling died on 25 June 1014 and was buried at the Old Minster, Winchester. His death left his brother Edmund Ironside as the next heir to the throne.
Notable events
- early or mid 980sBorn as the eldest son of King Æthelred the Unready and Ælfgifu.
- 993First mentioned as a witness to a charter of his father.
- c. 980s-early 1000sSpent part of his childhood at Æthelingadene, Dean in west Sussex.
- c. 980s-early 1000sPaternal grandmother Ælfthryth likely played a significant role in his upbringing.
- c. 980s-early 1000sFormed a friendship with Sigeforth and Morcar, thegns of the Five Boroughs.
- December 1013Danish king Sweyn conquered England, forcing Æthelred into exile.
- February 1014King Æthelred returned to England following Sweyn's death.
- 1013Last mentioned in a charter.
- 25 June 1014Made his will, leaving prized possessions to his brothers and others.
- 25 June 1014Died and was buried at the Old Minster, Winchester.
Other details
Death: Died at an unknown age on 25 June 1014; buried at the Old Minster, Winchester.
Children: 0
Parents: Æthelred the Unready, Ælfgifu of York