Before the Vikings: The Kings Who Governed Early England
When discussing early English history, it's natural to delve into the impact of the Vikings. However, long before these Norse raiders began to terrorize coastal towns and establish kingdoms, the land was governed by a series of Saxon kings. This article explores the kings who ruled Early England before the start of Viking raids, focusing on the Saxon kingdoms that laid the groundwork for the united kingdom of England.
The Formation of Early England
Before the arrival of the Vikings, the area we now know as England did not exist as a unified political or national entity. Instead, it was a patchwork of smaller kingdoms, primarily the Saxon kingdoms, such as the Kingdom of Wessex, East Anglia, and Mercia. These kingdoms were in constant conflict, often warring against each other for land and resources.
The Rise of Wessex
The Kingdom of Wessex, located in the southwest of the present-day England, played a crucial role in the region's politics. Early in the 9th century, King Egbert of Wessex emerged as a dominant force in southern England. He defeated the kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria, uniting much of southern England under his rule. This consolidation of power laid the foundation for a more unified England.
However, it wasn't until the reign of Alfred the Great that Wessex truly came into its own. Alfred was Egbert's son, and he focused on strengthening his kingdom and developing a more centralized system of governance. Alfred's most significant achievement was repelling the Viking invasions that began in 835. After the Battle of Edington in 878, he successfully drove the Danes out of England, even as they continued to control eastern and northern parts of the land.
Alfred the Great and His Successors
Referring to Edward the Elder and his father, King Alfred the Great, these Saxon kings were pivotal in shaping the early history of England. Edward's reign (899-924) saw continued efforts to consolidate the kingdom. He fought further battles against the Danes and even conquered the former Viking stronghold of York, making the name 'Englaland' universally known.
The next king, Athelstan (924-939), was the first to rule a united England. Athelstan's victory over the Viking Guthrum at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937 is seen as a definitive end to the Viking incursions and the establishment of the kingdom of England as we know it. His reign marked the beginning of a more unified and resilient nation.
In conclusion
While the Vikings played a significant role in shaping the history of England, they did not come into the picture until the 9th century. For over a century, the people of England (or at least southeastern England) lived under a series of Saxon kings who worked tirelessly to unify the region and protect it from invasion and internal strife. The legacy of these kings, from Egbert to Athelstan, set the stage for the formation of a more united and stable England, paving the way for the events that would follow.
Understanding the reigns of these early kings is crucial for grasping the context of the Viking raids, which began in the 8th century and continued into the 10th century. These monarchs weren't mere bystanders; they actively shaped the future of England, laying down the foundations for a nation that would stand strong against invaders and evolve into the modern United Kingdom.