Ethelbald
Born in Sheborne, DorsetBorn in 834
Died on 20th of December 860
Ethelbald was born into the House of Wessex in about 830, he was the second of five sons born to King Ethelwulf who reigned over the Saxon kingdom of Wessex, his mother was Osburga. His eldest brother Athelstan died, which resulted in him being Regent when his father and his youngest brother Alfred decided to go on a journey of Pilgrimage to Rome, after the death of his mother. Alfred was his father's favourite, which caused Ethelbald concern as he felt that Alfred would inherit his father's kingdom. Ethelbald was left to rule over the West Saxons during his father's absence whilst his brother Ethelbert ruled over Kent. However, it was during his father's absence that he gathered support and seized the crown. On Ethelwulf's return journey, he stopped to see Charles II, King of Aquitaine and in an agreement of support married his young daughter Judith. Contrary to tradition and custom Judith was crowned Queen Of Wessex. Ethelwulf persuaded his son that the best course of action, in order to assuage any conflict and civil war would be to hand back the crown, and for Ethelbald to return to his position as sub King. Ethelbald did not have long to wait, as his father died a short while after his return.
Ethelbald was crowned at Kingston-upon-Thames, and angered the church by marrying his young step mother Judith, however, her father was incensed and banished her to a nunnery, the marriage was later annulled, deemed as incestuous. Ethelbald had proved his worth as a good soldier and warrior, popular with his subjects. He died in 860 whilst he was in Sherbourne in Dorset. He was later buried in Sherbourne Abbey, his brother Ethelbert was to succeed him, he was also crowned at Kingston Upon Thames, although his reign would only last for five years.
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