King Edmund I of England

Edmund I, born in 920 or 921, was the elder son of King Edward the Elder and Queen Eadgifu. He was a grandson of King Alfred the Great. After his father's death in 924, his half-brother Æthelstan became king. Edmund grew up at Æthelstan's court, participating in events such as the Battle of Brunanburh in 937.

Upon Æthelstan's death in 939, Edmund I ascended to the throne of England. He was crowned King of the English on 27 October 939. His reign began with Anlaf Guthfrithson taking control of York, extending Viking rule. Edmund initially accepted this but later regained control after Anlaf's death in 941.

In 942, Edmund I reclaimed the Five Boroughs from Viking control. By 944, he had expelled the Viking kings of York, reestablishing control over all of England. His reign involved efforts to maintain dominance over other British kingdoms, including actions against the Welsh and Strathclyde.

Edmund I was an active legislator, with three of his legal codes surviving. These codes aimed to regulate feuds and emphasize the sanctity of the royal person. He appointed Dunstan as abbot of Glastonbury, supporting the early stages of the English Benedictine Reform.

Edmund I married twice, first to Ælfgifu, with whom he had two sons, Eadwig and Edgar. Both sons later became kings of England. His second wife, Æthelflæd, bore him no children. Edmund's reign saw a shift in governance, with increased cooperation with Mercian and East Anglian interests.

Edmund I's reign involved changes in local government, moving away from reliance on traditional West Saxon structures. He maintained friendly relations with Continental rulers, several of whom were married to his half-sisters. His mother and brother frequently attested his charters, indicating strong family cooperation.

Edmund I died on 26 May 946 at the age of 24–26, killed in a brawl with an outlaw at Pucklechurch in Gloucestershire. He was buried at Glastonbury Abbey, and his brother Eadred succeeded him as king.