King Aethelbald forced his father, King Aethelwulf, to abdicate the throne after his father returned from his pilgrimage.
His reign was short and served little purpose. The most notable event that occurred was his marriage to his stepmother, Judith, which was annulled a year later by the church.
King Aethelbald Facts: Life and Reign
- Aethelbald was the second son of Aethelwulf, King of Wessex.
- Little is known about his childhood. His name first appears in the 840s when he witnessed one of his father's charters.
- In 850, King Aethelwulf promoted him to the rank of ealdorman.
- In 855, King Aethelwulf went on a pilgrimage to Rome. During this pilgrimage, Aethalbald's youngest brother Alfred was recognized by the Pope, and his father married the 13-year-old daughter of Charles the Bald.
- During his father's pilgrimage, Aethelbald was promoted to Regent of Wessex.
- Upon his father's return from Rome, Aethelbald refused to step down from his position and began to plot against his father. He believed his father's marriage to Judith was a threat to his chances of inheriting his father's throne.
- Aethelbald's plot to force his father off the throne was supported by many other leaders in Wessex. They sought to prevent Aethelwulf's return from Europe.
- Aethelbald's plot did not work as King Aethelwulf returned from Europe with his young wife. To prevent a civil war, Aethelwulf allowed his son to rule the western part of his realm. King Aethelwulf's father, King Egbert, did something similar with Aethelwulf in Kent.
- In 858, King Aethelwulf died. After his death, the kingdom remained split. Aethelbald maintained control of Wessex while his younger brother Aethelberht ruled Kent.
- King Aethelbald married his father's widow, Judith. The marriage was highly controversial and drew criticism from Christian and Pagan countries alike. Judith provided a link to Charlemagne that proved to be too tempting for Aethelbald.
- The marriage was annulled a year later.
- In 860, Aethelbald died. His reign lasted from the time his father left for Rome to his death. The total time was 5 years.
- Judith returned home after his death and was sent to live in a convent. She eventually eloped with the Count of Flanders.
King Aethelbald Facts: Conclusion
Little is known about King Aethelbald, and what is written about him is not flattering. However, it should be pointed out that the authors of his history did not support his rise to power or his marriage to Judith, so they were probably biased.
King Aethelbald was a strong and warlike leader who was popular during this time period. His ability to force his father to abdicate his throne shows the power and influence that he possessed.
His reign was cut short by his untimely death and had little impact on English history.