Anglo-Saxon England

King Ecgberht the Conqueror

Dec 7, 2022

This podcast explores the rise of King Ecgberht in Anglo-Saxon England, including power struggles in Wessex, his disputed lineage, and his military expeditions. It discusses the Battle of Elendun and its consequences, leading to the decline of Mercian power. The podcast also touches on King Ecgberht's successes, failures, and mixed legacy.

26:57

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Quick takeaways

King Ecgberht's rise to power and successful expansion of Wessex's territory shifted the political map of southern England forever.

The Battle of Elendun in 825 marked the end of Mercian supremacy and led to the annexation of Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Essex, but Edgbert's power declined afterwards.

Deep dives

Edgbert's rise to power and the remaking of southern England

Edgbert, an Anglo-Saxon king, rose to power in the early 9th century and successfully expanded Wessex's territory. His conquests, especially between 825 and 829, ended Mercia's supremacy and brought southeastern territories under West Saxon control. Edgbert's success was attributed to his perceived support from the Franks and his claim to Kentish influence. He minted coins, granted lands, and convened councils to consolidate his power. However, after 830, his power rapidly declined due to the collapse of Frankish commercial networks and his inability to maintain control of his conquered territories.

Introduction

3min

Disputed Lineage of King Edgbert of Wessex

7min

King Ecgberht's Military Expeditions and the History of Wales

2min

The Battle of Elendun and the Unravelling of Mercian Supremacy

10min

King Edgbert's Reign: Successes, Failures, and Mixed Legacy

4min

In 786 King Cynewulf was murdered throwing Wessex into disorder. In the midst of the feuding that followed King Offa of Mercia moved in to secure the West Saxons’ passivity by elevating a puppet to the throne. He did this in the form of his son-in-law Beorhtric. This manoeuvre did not go unchallenged, though, and Beorhtric faced opposition from at least one West Saxon nobleman, Ecgberht, who warred against Beorhtric but wa ultimately driven into exile in Francia for his troubles. Upon Beorhtric’s death in 802, Ecgberht would return from his exile and claim the West Saxon throne, and so would begin a period in which the political map of southern England was changed forever as Ecgberht led a reconquest of all the lands south of the Thames and secure West Saxon pre-eminence in southern England.

Credits –

Music: 'Wælheall' by Hrōðmund Wōdening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQfdqIyqJ4g&list=LL&index=5&ab_channel=Hr%C5%8D%C3%B0mundW%C5%8Ddening

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