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Athelstan: The Penguin Monarch Who Shaped England

José Saramago

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Published in Athelstan (Penguin Monarchs): The Making Of England

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Athelstan, the first king of a united England, was born in 895 AD. He was the son of Edward the Elder, King of Wessex, and his first wife, Eadgifu.

Athelstan was a skilled warrior and a wise ruler. He was also a patron of the arts and learning. He founded several monasteries and schools, and he encouraged the development of English literature.

Athelstan (Penguin Monarchs): The Making of England

by Tom Holland

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Language	:	English
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Athelstan's reign was a time of great change and progress for England. He united the country under one rule, and he established a system of law and order that would last for centuries.

Athelstan's Early Life

Athelstan was born at Wessex, England, in 895 AD. He was the eldest son of Edward the Elder, King of Wessex, and his first wife, Eadgifu. Athelstan's father was a powerful ruler who had united most of England under his rule.

Athelstan was raised in the royal court at Wessex. He was educated by the best scholars of the time, and he became fluent in Latin and Old English. Athelstan was also a skilled warrior, and he fought in several battles alongside his father.

Athelstan's Reign

Athelstan became king of Wessex in 925 AD, following the death of his father. He was crowned at Kingston upon Thames, and he immediately began to consolidate his power.

Athelstan's first priority was to unite England under one rule. He defeated the last remaining Viking kingdoms in the north, and he forced the Welsh and Scottish kings to recognize his authority.

Once England was united, Athelstan turned his attention to reforming the country's laws and institutions. He issued a series of laws that standardized the system of justice, and he established a system of royal courts that would administer the laws.

Athelstan was also a patron of the arts and learning. He founded several monasteries and schools, and he encouraged the development of English literature.

Athelstan's Death and Legacy

Athelstan died in 939 AD, at the age of 44. He was buried at Malmesbury Abbey, in Wiltshire.

Athelstan's reign was a time of great change and progress for England. He united the country under one rule, and he established a system of law and order that would last for centuries.

Athelstan is considered one of the greatest kings of England. He was a skilled warrior, a wise ruler, and a patron of the arts and learning. He left a lasting legacy on England, and his influence can still be seen today.

Image of Athelstan

Athelstan Athelstan (Penguin Monarchs): The Making Of England

Map of Athelstan's England

Map Of Athelstan's England Athelstan (Penguin Monarchs): The Making Of England

Timeline of Athelstan's Reign

925 AD: Athelstan becomes king of Wessex.
927 AD: Athelstan defeats the last remaining Viking kingdoms in the north.
934 AD: Athelstan forces the Welsh and Scottish kings to recognize his authority.
939 AD: Athelstan dies.