Medieval Kings and Queens
Kings and queens have ruled Britain since the Romans. Some were very successful, powerful warriors in their own right, expanding their kingdom and governing their subjects with authority. But others were quite the opposite!
King Aethelred I 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.