King Edward the Elder

Edward the Elder was King of the Anglo-Saxons from 899 until his death in 924. He was the elder son of Alfred the Great and Ealhswith. Upon his accession, Edward faced a challenge from his cousin Æthelwold, who had a strong claim to the throne.

Edward inherited the title of King of the Anglo-Saxons after Alfred's death in 899. In 910, a combined Mercian and West Saxon army defeated a Northumbrian army, ending the threat from the northern Vikings. Edward and his sister Æthelflæd worked together to conquer Viking-ruled southern England.

After Æthelflæd's death in 918, Edward took control of Mercia, bringing it under direct rule. By the end of the 910s, he ruled Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia, with only Northumbria remaining under Viking control. Edward's reign saw the consolidation of territories and the establishment of a more unified English kingdom.

Edward's military campaigns were supported by the construction of fortresses to protect against Viking attacks. He also encouraged Englishmen to purchase land in Danish territory, strengthening his control over these areas. Edward's reign included a series of successful military campaigns against the Vikings.

Edward's coinage featured his name and the name of the moneyer, with mints located in various towns. His reign saw an increase in the number of moneyers. Edward also reorganized the West Saxon dioceses, strengthening the church's role in governance.

Edward married three times and had about fourteen children. His children included future kings Æthelstan, Edmund I, and Eadred. His reign was initially overlooked by historians, but he is now recognized for his role in defeating the Vikings and laying the foundations for a united English kingdom.

Edward the Elder died on 17 July 924 at Farndon in Cheshire and was buried in the New Minster, Winchester. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Æthelstan.