King Eadwig ('the All-Fair') was the elder son of Edmund I and Aelfgifu of Shaftesbury, and king of England from 955-957 and of Wessex from 957-959. A handsome but foolish king, he lost the favour of his court and the church. Powerful ealdormen soon left to support his younger brother. Mercia and Northumbria were lost, and Eadwig died suspiciously at just 18, only 4 years into his reign.

King Eadred was the younger son of Edward the Elder and his third wife, Edgiva, and king of England from 946-955. Another vigorous warrior king, Eadred battled with the Norsemen of York, losing and regaining the kingdom during his reign. King Eadred suffered from a stomach illness, which would cut his life short in 955, at the age of 32.