Introduction to Edward + dynastic threats

Question 1

What was the political situation Alfred left behind for Edward?

Answer 1

Danelaw
Overlord of Mercia - ealdormen Athelred
Total control over Wessex
(basically, all of the kingdom aside from what the Danes controlled)

Question 2

What were the 4 realms of problems that Edward had to face in 899?

Answer 2

• Challenges from his cousin Aethelwold
• Relationship with the Danes - will he be seen as weaker than his father?
• Relationship with Mercia - who is now in control?
• Relationships with older kingdoms - eg. the Welsh. Will this change?

Question 3

How did Alfred distribute the royal estates in his will?

Answer 3

Alfred’s will began with a summary of the agreements that had been made for the succession by his father, Aethelwulf, and by his brothers - pre-emptively affirms Aethelwold’s claim
The distrubution of royal estates follows as?
- Edward: important estates across greater Wessex (from Cornwall to Kent)
- Aethelweard (younger son): widely distributed estates, but further south than Edward’s
- Earlswith (wife) and daughters: Estates in the central part of the kingdom (some with emotional significance)
- Aethelwold, Aethelhelm and kinsman Osferth: Fewer estates, in the eastern part of the kingdom - traditionally the ‘junior’ location

Question 4

What is the basis of Edward’s conflict with Aethelwold

Answer 4

When Aethelred died at the battle of Marten in 871, and Alfred succeeded him - Aethelwold would have been underage, but he felt he was the rightful heir.