Ethelwulf of Wessex

Ethelwulf (Old English: Æþelwulf) was the elder son of King Egbert of Wessex. He was born some time around 800 AD, and conquered Kent on behalf of his father in 825. Thereafter he was styled King of Kent ^*" target="_blank" >until his succeeded his father as King of Wessex in 839, whereupon he became King of the West Saxons and the Kentishmen ^* ^* ^* ^* ^* ^*. He was crowned at Kingston upon Thames and fought the invading Danes, whose raids had increased considerably. A major victory for Ethelwulf was achieved at "Acleah", probably Ockley or Oakley in Surrey. Ethelwulf also defeated Cyngen ap Cadell of Wales together with Mercia. In 855, nine years after his wife Osburh's death, he went on a pilgrimage to Rome with his youngest son, Alfred. In the return journey in 856 he married Judith Martel. Upon return in England he was deposed by his eldest son, Ethelbald. He died January 13, 858 and was buried first at Steyning and then later transferred to Winchester. The image here is an imaginary portrait drawn by an unknown artist in the 18th century, who probably was the same artist who did many other portraits of other English kings. The gold ring, depicted in the picture, is about an inch across, richly decorated with religious symbols, is inscribed 'Ethelwulf Rex' and was found at Laverstock, Wiltshire, in 1780; it was believed to have been a gift from Ethelwulf to a loyal follower.

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