Edward the Elder, one of the most significant monarchs of Anglo-Saxon England, is remembered not only for his role as the King of the Anglo-Saxons but also for the part he played in laying the foundations for the eventual unification of England. His reign, from 899 until his death in 924, marked a crucial phase in English history. But how did Edward come to the throne, and what was the political and military environment that allowed him to rise to power?

Early Life and Background

Edward the Elder was born around 874, the son of King Alfred the Great and his wife, Ealhswith. Edward's mother was of Mercian descent, a connection that would become important in his reign as he dealt with the delicate balance of power between Wessex, Mercia, and the other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Edward's father, Alfred, is one of the most celebrated Anglo-Saxon kings due to his military victories against the Viking invasions, as well as his efforts to reform the legal and educational systems in England.

Alfred had successfully resisted Viking invasions, but his death in 899 did not immediately guarantee Edward the throne. Edward was already an established military leader by the time of his father’s death, having been involved in campaigns against the Vikings. However, his rise to the throne was not entirely uncontested.

The Succession Crisis

When Alfred died in 899, Edward became king of Wessex, the most powerful of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. However, the transition of power was not without challenges. Edward's half-sister, Aethelflæd, who had already been ruling over Mercia as its Lady, and other members of the royal family held significant political power. There was also the continued threat of Viking invasions, particularly from the Danes, who had established kingdoms in the north and east of England.

Edward’s succession was somewhat uncertain, and while he had a solid claim to the throne due to being Alfred’s eldest surviving son, it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that he would become king without opposition. In fact, during the first years of his reign, he had to deal with the challenge posed by his own family members and rival claimants. However, with support from the Wessex nobility and his established military reputation, Edward successfully overcame these early hurdles. shutdown123