King Eadred the Unwell Warrior King
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.
| Born | 923 |
| Parents | Edward the Elder & Edgiva |
| Married | No |
| Children | None |
| Died | 23 November 955, Frome, Somerset, buried at the Old Minster, Winchester (32) |
| Reign | 946 - 955 (9) |
| Crowned | 16 August 946, Kingston upon Thames (23) |
| Predecessor | Edmund I the Magnificent (brother) |
| Successor | Eadwig the All-Fair (nephew) |
| House | Wessex |
Life Events of King Eadred
923
Eadred is born to Edward the Elder and Edgiva.
939
After Edmund's coronation, Eadred is sent by his brother to secure Archbishop Wulfstan's submission, in Tanshelf (Pontefract).
946
Eadred is crowned king on 16 August at Kingston upon Thames.
947
Archbishop Wulfstan and other Scandinavian magnates revolt, and allow the ex-Norwgian king, Erik Bloodaxe to rule York. King Eadred marches north and invades Ripon, burning down the monastery and raiding the settlement. Erik flees, but the region is left volatile and insecure.
948
Archbishop Wulfstan invites Olaf Sihtricson over from Dublin again, and he rules York. Eadred responds by marching north once more, but agrees that Olaf can remain king of Northumbria if he keeps Erik Bloodaxe away.
941
Olaf Guthfrithson is killed in a raid on Bernicia. His cousin, Olaf Sihtricson arrives to claim his right to York.
952
Olaf Sihtricson is deposed in favour of Erik Bloodaxe, who was invited once again by Archbishop Wulfstan.
954
King Eadred invades York and captures Archbishop Wulfstan. Erik Bloodaxe flees, and is killed in an ambush at Stainmore, Cumbria by Earl Maccus son of Anlaf, where he seems to have been betrayed. The Norse kingdom of York is never regained by the Anglo-Scandinavians.
955
King Eadred's reign has been blighted with a mysterious stomach illness, which eventually kills him on 23 November in Frome, Somerset. Eadred is buried at the Old Minster, Winchester. He is succeeded by his nephew, Edwy.
Interesting Facts About King Eadred
Illness
Eadred suffered from a severe stomach illness. It was so severe, that he could not swallow food properly, and had to suck the juices out of his food, and spit the rest out. It is unclear whether he had this throughout his life, or through his reign.Monastic Reform
Eadred was a pious man, and helped move the monastic reform forward by appointing St Aethelwold to the Abbey of Abingdon. In the last few years of his reign, he handed much of this authority over to St Dunstan, Abbot of Glastonbury.
Battles Fought by King Eadred
The Battle of Castleford
In 947, defeat for Eadred's rear guard against Erik Bloodaxe. Returning home after the sacking of Ripon, Eadred's rear guard are taken by surprise by Erik Bloodaxe's troops, inflicting a large slaughter. Eadred threatens another full scale raid, and the Norsemen retreat.
FAQs About the King
Was King Eadred ill?
Yes, he suffered from a stomach malady, which ultimately killed him. His illness prevented him from swallowing food properly.Who succeeded King Eadred?
King Eadred had no wife or children, and so he was succeeded by his nephew, Edwy in 955.
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The Anglo-Saxon Kings of England
