Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
Æthelstan was born around 895, the eldest son of King Edward the Elder, the son of Alfred the Great, and his second wife, Wulfrun. His early years were likely shaped by the turbulent times in which he lived. The kingdom of Wessex, which his grandfather Alfred had helped to shape into the dominant power in England, was constantly threatened by Viking invasions.
Æthelstan’s upbringing was influenced by his royal lineage and the ongoing struggle for control over England, which was fractured into several kingdoms, including Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia. His mother, Wulfrun, was likely a significant influence, and Æthelstan was well-educated, skilled in both military and diplomatic matters.
After the death of his father, King Edward the Elder, in 924, Æthelstan succeeded to the throne of Wessex. However, he faced immediate challenges from his half-brother, Ælfweard, who also claimed the throne. The situation was complicated further by the political landscape, as both Mercia and Northumbria had different allegiances and loyalties. Æthelstan’s early reign was characterized by his ability to consolidate power through military victory and the elimination of his rivals. Ælfweard died suddenly in 924, leaving Æthelstan as the undisputed ruler of Wessex. shutdown123