![]() ![]() We know that in AD 893 Edward commanded an army against the Vikings at the Battle of Farnham.Īround 893 Edward married Ecgwynn, of whom almost nothing is known, though she may have been a relative of St Dunstan. Alfred also seems to have given Edward military commands. He promoted men who would support Edward, and had Edward accompany him on royal journeys, where he witnessed many of Alfred's charters. Aethelhelm appears to have died sometime around 850, but Aethelwold survived, and seems to have been regarded as higher in status.Īlfred the Great did everything he could to assure his own son's inheritance he may have made Edward King of Kent during his lifetime. His uncles Aethelhelm and Aethelwold had claims to the throne, for they were older and the sons of Alfred's elder brother Aethelred, who had reigned before him. Though he was the eldest son of the king, Edward's accession to the throne was not assured, for by Saxon custom a strong and able relative could have an equally valid claim to the throne. The upbringing of Edward and Aelfthryth is unique the only known example of a Saxon prince and princess receiving the same education. They were also taught behaviour considered worthy of the court, such as humility and gentleness. ![]() His moniker 'the Elder' does not come from the fact that he was Alfred's eldest son and heir, but was used by historians to distinguish him from the later King Edward the Martyr.Īccording to the contemporary historian Asser, who wrote a biography of Alfred the Great's life, Edward and his youngest sister Aelfthryth were educated at Alfred's court, by both male and female tutors, who taught them to read both ecclesiastical and secular prose in English, including Old English poetry and the Psalms. Edward was the son of Alfred the Great, born to Alfred and his queen Ealhswith of Mercia around AD 874. ![]()
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