King Athelstan of England

Æthelstan, also spelled Athelstan, was the ruler of the Anglo-Saxons from 924 to 927 and subsequently the King of the English until his death in 939. Born to King Edward the Elder and his first wife, Ecgwynn, he is recognized by modern historians as the first King of England and a significant Anglo-Saxon monarch. His ascent to the throne followed the death of his father, Edward, in July 924, with Æthelstan being accepted by the Mercians as king. Despite facing resistance in Wessex, he was eventually crowned in September 925. Æthelstan never married, had no children, and was succeeded by his half-brother, Edmund I.

During his reign, Æthelstan conquered the Viking kingdom of York in 927, which marked the first time an Anglo-Saxon ruler controlled the entirety of England. His military prowess was further demonstrated in 934 when he invaded Scotland and secured the submission of King Constantine II. Æthelstan’s rule faced challenges, including invasions by Scots and Vikings, but he successfully defeated them at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937. He centralized government, increased control over charter production, and held councils attended by rulers acknowledging his overlordship, including Welsh kings. Legal reforms and concern for social order were hallmarks of his reign, continuing the legacy of his grandfather, Alfred the Great.