King Eadred of England

Eadred, born around 923, was the younger son of Edward the Elder and Eadgifu. He was a grandson of Alfred the Great and grew up with his brother Edmund at the court of their half-brother Æthelstan. Eadred became King of the English on 26 May 946 after the death of his brother Edmund, who was killed while protecting his seneschal.

During his reign, Eadred initially lost control of York but managed to regain it by the end of his reign. In 954, the York magnates expelled Erik Bloodaxe, the last Viking king, allowing Eadred to appoint Osullf as the first ealdorman of the whole of Northumbria. Eadred was closely advised by his mother Eadgifu, Archbishop Oda, and Æthelstan Half-King.

He had a strong relationship with Dunstan, Abbot of Glastonbury, who helped draft charters when Eadred's health declined. Eadred supported the early stages of the English Benedictine Reform and appointed Æthelwold as Abbot of Abingdon. Eadred did not fully embrace the view that Benedictine monasticism was the only valid religious life and appointed Ælfsige, a married man, as Bishop of Winchester.

Eadred's will, one of the few surviving Anglo-Saxon royal wills, provides insights into the royal household and his preferences for his burial. His will was set aside after his death, likely due to his nephew Eadwig's accession. Eadred's health issues in his later years limited his ability to govern directly.

Eadred never married and had no children. His health deteriorated over time, leading to his death at the age of about 32 on 23 November 955. He was buried in the Old Minster, Winchester, although this was probably not his original choice.

Eadred was succeeded by his nephew Eadwig, who became king after his death.