King Egbert Family Tree & Biography 770-839

 

King Egbert was a member of the House of Wessex. He was the son of Ealmund of Kent and the first King of Wessex to be named Bretwalda (most powerful King of the seven kingdoms of England). his son, Aethelwulf succeeded him as King of Wessex.

 

King Egbert Family Tree Image showing:

grandparents, parents, siblings, wife, children and grandchildren

 

King Egbert Family Tree in Table Form showing:

grandparents, parents, siblings, wife, children and grandchildren

 

 

King Egbert Short Biography

Early Years

King Egbert was born around 770 the son of Ealmund of Kent; his mother’s identity is not known.

When he was sixteen, in 786, King Cynewulf of Wessex was murdered. Beothric was elected to be King but Egbert believed he had a legitimate claim and contested the election. Beothric was made King of Wessex and Egbert fled to Mercia where he sought the protection of King Offa. About a year later, Offa made peace with Beothric and Egbert fled to France where he is said to have lived in the court of Charlemagne.

King of Wessex

In 802 Beorhtric of Wessex died. Egbert returned to England and was elected King of Wessex.

The Battle of Ellandun, fought in September 825 between Wessex and Mercia saw Beornwulf of Mercia defeated. This made Egbert the dominant ruler in England. Four years later in 829, Egbert conquered Northumbria and became the first King to rule all kingdoms of England. His rule of England lasted just one year before Wiglaf took control of Mercia.

In 836 Vikings began raiding the south coast of England and Egbert was forced to divert his attention to stopping the attacks.

Marriage, Family and Death

Egbert married at some point, but the identity of his wife is not known.

Around 795, Edgar’s son Aethelwulf was born.

King Egbert of Wessex died in February 839 and was buried in Winchester. He was succeeded by his son, Aethelwulf.

 

Published May 2022 – Updated – May 19, 2024 @ 1:22 pm