Athelstan
925– 940
House of Wessex

The son of Edward the Elder, Athelstan was also a skilled military man like his father. Extending his borders and forcing impressive tribute from the Welsh kings, he took York from the Danes and made King Constantine of Scotland submit to his rule. Having wiped out any opposition in Cornwall, Edward won the respect of the lesser kings of Britain at the battle of Brunanburh in 937. The King of Scotland with the Welsh and Danes from Dublin attempted to invade but was put down by Athelstan.

Athelstan was generous to the church, especially the monastery at Malmsbury where he was buried. His renown having spread to the continent, he married his sisters to Charles III of France, the French duke Hugh the Great, Otto I of Germany, and Louis, King of Arles. Athelstan was succeded by his brother Edmund.