King Aethelbald of Wessex
King Aethelbald (Æthelbald or 'Noble Bold') was the eldest surviving son of Aethelwulf, and King of Wessex from 855-860. He had a short reign, and a short life, having only lived into his 20s when he died. During his reign, Aethelbald is most famous for refusing his own father's entry to his kingdom, when Aethelwulf returned from Frankia with his new wife.
| Born | 831 |
| Parents | Aethelwulf of Wessex & Osburh |
| Married | Judith, daughter of Charles the Bald, king of the Franks (step-mother) |
| Children | None |
| Died | 20 December 860, Sherborne (29), buried in Sherborne Abbey |
| Reign | 855 - 860 (5) |
| Crowned | 855 (24) |
| Predecessor | Aethelwulf (father) |
| Successor | Aethelbert (brother) |
| House | Wessex |
Life Events of King Aethelbald
831
Aethelbald is born to Aethelwulf of Wessex and Osburh.
855
Aethelbald and his brother are left in control of Wessex, while their father goes on a pilgrimage to Rome.
856
Aethelbald refuses his father entry to western Wessex.
858
King Aethelbald marries his step-mother, Judith.
858
King Aethelbald dies in Sherborne.
Interesting Facts About King Aethelbald
Battle
Aethelbald was old enough to accompany his father to the victorious battle at Aclea.Power
Aethelbald was left in charge of the kingdom, along with his brother, Aethelbert, when their father Aethelwulf left for a pilgrimage to Rome in 855. Aethelbald co-ruled the larger western region of Wessex, and Aethelbert the smaller eastern side.Feud
In 856, plotting with the Bishop of Sherborne, Aethelbald refused entry to his father Aethelwulf and his new bride, Judith, on their return from Frankia. Concerned that the new marriage had broken their agreements, Aethelbald feared he could lose his inheritance. Aethelwulf had to spend the rest of his reign co-ruling with this son, to avoid civil war.Marriage
After his father had died, Aethelbald chose to marry his step-mother, Judith. This was seen as incest, but a precedent had been set a few centuries before, and so it was allowed.Residence
Aethelbald most likely resided in the lands west of Selwood, where he held the most support.
Battles Fought by King Aethelbald
Battle of Aclea
In 851, major victory against a large Viking fleet of 300 ships.
FAQs About King Aethelbald
Who was King Aethelbald?
King Aethelbald was the eldest surviving son of Aethelwulf, and lived a short regin in Anglo-Saxon England.Did King Aethelbald marry his step-mother?
Yes he did, in 858, after the death of his father he married Judith.
