Edgiva

c. 874 – 17 July 924

House: House of Wessex

Titles: King of the Anglo-Saxons

Edward the Elder, son of Alfred the Great and Ealhswith, was King of the Anglo-Saxons from 899 until his death in 924. Ascending to the throne amidst challenges to his claim, he secured his position by overcoming the opposition from his cousin Æthelwold. Edward inherited the title of King of the Anglo-Saxons, a realm that was under threat from Danish Vikings. Together with his sister Æthelflæd, he embarked on a series of military campaigns that resulted in the conquest of southern England, significantly reducing the power of the Vikings and paving the way for the unification of England under a single rule.

Edward’s reign was marked by the expansion of his father’s policies, including the construction of burhs and the reorganization of the kingdom’s military and administrative structures. Despite being less celebrated in medieval chronicles for his scholarly achievements compared to his father, Edward’s military prowess and strategic insights were instrumental in laying the groundwork for a united English kingdom. His death in 924 led to the succession of his eldest son, Æthelstan, and he was buried in the New Minster, Winchester, later translated to Hyde Abbey.

Notable events

899
Edward succeeds to the throne following the death of his father, Alfred the Great, marking the beginning of his reign as King of the Anglo-Saxons.
910
A decisive victory against a Northumbrian Viking army is achieved by a combined Mercian and West Saxon force, effectively ending the northern Viking threat.
911
Following the death of her husband Æthelred, Edward's sister Æthelflæd becomes the Lady of the Mercians, strengthening the alliance between Wessex and Mercia.
918
Edward takes direct control over Mercia after the death of Æthelflæd and the brief rule of her daughter Ælfwynn.
924
Edward faces a Mercian and Welsh revolt at Chester, successfully quelling the uprising.
924
Edward's death occurs shortly after suppressing the revolt at Chester, leading to the succession crisis and the eventual reign of his son Æthelstan.
c. 893
Edward marries Ecgwynn, which results in the birth of his first two children, including the future King Æthelstan.
900
Edward is coronated as King at Kingston upon Thames, solidifying his rule over the Anglo-Saxons.
902
Edward buries his mother Ealhswith in the New Minster, Winchester, which he founded.
c. 900
Edward marries Ælfflæd, the daughter of Ealdorman Æthelhelm, further consolidating his political alliances.

Other details

Death: Edward the Elder died at the age of about 50 after suppressing a revolt in Chester. He was buried in the New Minster, Winchester.

Reign: 24 years and 264 days

Children: Æthelstan, a daughter who was Queen of York, Ælfweard, Edwin, Eadgifu, Eadhild, Eadgyth, Edmund I, Eadred, Eadburh

Marriages: Ecgwynn, Ælfflæd, and Eadgifu

Parents: Alfred the Great and Ealhswith

Sources

Compiled from various 3rd hand sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/