(c. 871/2-925)

The elder surviving son of
Alfred the Great
he suceeded the throne in 899. At once his cousin Ethelwold son of
Ethelred I
contested his claim.

Ethelwold seized Wimbourne with Edward in pursuit, Ethelwold escaped to the north where he induced the danellaw to accept him as king. He kept up his raids, often on Mercia until in 909 he was defeated and killed.

Edward was crowned at
Kingston
on 8 June 900. During his reign he managed to annex the danelaw south of the Humber and was acknowledged by the Danes King of York, King of Scots, King of Strathclyde Britons amongst others.

The Father of Dynasties

He was very productive having three wifes and numerous children. By his first wife Ecgwynn came his sucessor Athelstan. Elfreda his second bore him two sons the elder died soon after his father, the younger drowned in the English Channel about 933. As well as these sons there were six daughters. His final wife bore two sons who would become king Edmund and Edred as well as two daughters. Of the daugthers Edward's bloodline continued into France,Bohemia, the Holy Roman Empire and Aquitaine amongst others.

Edward died at Farndon-on-Sea and is buried at Winchester. His widow Eadgifu live on for many years and died during the reign of her grandson Edgar.