King Aethelbert of Wessex

King Aethelbert (Æthelbert or 'Magnificent Noble') was the second eldest surviving son of Aethelwulf, and King of Wessex from 860-866. He, like his brother before him, had a short reign and life, having only lived into his early 30s when he died. During his reign, Aethelbert is most famous for not sending an army to engage the 'Great Heathen Army' of Vikings, led by Ragnar Lodbrok's sons, who landed at Thanet in 864.

King Aethelbert
Born 834
Parents Aethelwulf of Wessex & Osburh
Married Unknown
Children 2, Aldhelm & Aethelweard
Died 866 (32), buried in Sherborne Abbey
Reign 860 - 866 (6)
Crowned 860, Kingston upon Thames (26)
Predecessor Aethelbald (brother)
Successor Aethelred I (brother)
House Wessex

Life Events of King Aethelbert

834

Aethelbert is born to Aethelwulf of Wessex and Osburh.

855

Aethelbert and his older brother are left in control of Wessex, while their father goes on a pilgrimage to Rome.

856

Aethelbert allows his father entry to eastern Wessex, unlike his brother.

858

Aethelbert becomes king of Kent and eastern Wessex.

860

King Aethelbert becomes king of Wessex and Kent.

864

The Great Heathen Army land at Thanet. Kent locals paid them to leave in spring 865.

866

King Aethelbert dies and is buried at Sherborne Abbey.


Interesting Facts About King Aethelbert

  • Duty
    When his brother, Aethelbald refused their father entry to western Wessex, Aethelbert did the opposite. He allowed Aethelwulf and Judith into eastern Wessex and Kent, and co-ruled the kingdom together.

  • Kent
    After the death of his father, Aethelbert became king of Kent and eastern Wessex. His older brother remained king of western Wessex.

  • Heathen Army
    King Aethelbert did not rally an army to face the Great Heathen Army, that had landed on Thanet in 864. Instead, the men of Kent paid them off, and the Vikings left to seek a bigger prize to the north in 865. The Vikings were led by Ragnar Lodbrok's sons, Halfdan Ragnarsson and Ivar the Boneless.

  • Consolidation
    Aethelbert consolidated the kingdom of Kent into Wessex, to form one large kingdom. The charter received signatures from both Wessex and Kent, which was very rare.

  • Trust
    Aethelbert and his younger brother, Aethelred agreed to entrust their property inherited from their father to the new king, in return for later grants. This would help prevent disagreements among future aethelings.

Battles Fought by King Aethelbert

  • Skirmish at Winchester
    In 861, victory against a small Viking army, who had marched all the way inland to Winchester.

FAQs About King Aethelbert

  1. Who was King Aethelbert?
    He was the Anglo-Saxon King of Wessex from 860-866. Son of King Aethelwulf and older brother to Alfred the Great.

  2. When did the Great Heathen Army invade England?
    The army arrived at Thanet in 864 and left for the north in the spring of 865.

  3. Who led the Great Heathen Army?
    The Great Heathen Army of 864/5 was led by Ragnar Lodbrok's sons, Halfdan Ragnarsson and Ivar the Boneless.

  4. How big was the Great Heathen Army?
    The army was estimated to be between 1000 - 3500 strong.

Related Video to the King

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King Aethelred I of Wessex

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King Aethelbald of Wessex