EDWARD
'THE ELDER' (r. 899-924)Well-trained by Alfred, his son Edward 'the Elder'
(reigned 899-924) was a bold soldier who defeated the Danes in Northumbria at
Tettenhall in 910 and was acknowledged by the Viking kingdom of York. The kings
of Strathclyde and the Scots submitted to Edward in 921. By military success and
patient planning, Edward spread English influence and control. Much of this was
due to his alliance with his formidable sister Aethelflaed, who was married to
the ruler of Mercia and seems to have governed that kingdom after her husband's
death.
Edward was able to establish an administration for the kingdom of
England, whilst obtaining the allegiance of Danes, Scots and Britons. Edward died
in 924, and he was buried in the New Minster which he had had completed at Winchester.
Edward was twice married, but it is possible that his eldest son Athelstan was
the son of a mistress.