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