Athelstan

Also known as: Athelstan king / King Athelstan · Family: Mercians · Role: king · First appears: A.D. 449–556

Athelstan was the son of Edward son of Alfred and brother of Edmund son of Edward and Edred. In 924, he gave his sister in marriage to Otho the Elder. The following year, the Mercians chose him as king, and he was consecrated at Kingston.

In 926, Athelstan governed the island’s kings, including Howel, Constantine, Owen and Aldred son of Eadulf. At Emmet, they ratified their agreement with covenants and oaths. In 927, Athelstan gave his sister in marriage to Sihtric at Tamworth and expelled Guthfrith. In 934, he invaded Scotland with a land-force and naval armament, laying waste a great part of it.

In 938, Athelstan and his brother Edmund son of Edward defeated Anlaf’s forces at Brumby. Athelstan died at Glocester in 941, and Edmund son of Edward succeeded him to the kingdom.