Aethelred Collection

King Ethelred II The Unready
ETHELRED II The Unready King of England (reigned 978-1013 and 1014-1016)

King Ethelred II The Unready
ETHELRED II The Unready King of England (reigned 978-1013 and 1014-1016)

ANGLO-SAXON CHRONICLE. The passage reproduced contains a record of Aethelred and Alfreds defeat of the Danes at Ashdown (Vale of White Horse), Berkshire, England, in 871

Edward Confessor / Woodcut
ENGLISH ROYALTY Edward or Eadward, called the confessor. Last of Anglo-Saxon line. Son of Aethelred II, cousin of William the conqueror. Date: 1004-1066

Penny of AEthelred II, London mint, 978 (silver) (reverse of 3706818)
3706819 Penny of thelred II, London mint, 978 (silver) (reverse of 3706818) by Ealdgar (fl.978); diam: 19 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

The Coronation Stone - Kingston upon Thames
circa 1910s

Penny of AEthelred II, London mint, 978 (silver) (obverse of 3706819)
3706818 Penny of thelred II, London mint, 978 (silver) (obverse of 3706819) by Ealdgar (fl.978); diam: 19 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

WULFSTAN / ARCHBISHOP YORK
WULFSTAN Archbishop of York 1002 - 1023 English prelate; advised law to Kings Aethelred and Canute Date: - 1023

Danegeld
Following the Viking victory at the Battle of Maldon, in Essex, King Aethelred (the Unready) is advised to pay off the Vikings rather than continue the fight

Four kings of England prior to the Norman conquest. Ethelbald, Ethelbert, Ethelred I and Alfred. Engraving from The New, Impartial and Complete History of England by Edward Barnard

ETHELRED I (D. 871)
ETHELRED (AETHELRED) I Anglo-Saxon ruler. Drove Danes from Mercia (868-869). Defeated Danes with brother Alfred at Ashdown (871). Date: ? - 871

Wulfstan Writing(Strutt)
WULFSTAN Archbishop of York 1002 - 1023 English prelate; advised law to Kings Aethelred and Canute writes with a quill pen

King Edward the Martyr
EDWARD THE MARYTR King of England (reigned 975-978), assassinated, possibly on the command of his stepmother, Aelfthryth, ambitious for her son Aethelred II

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"Aethelred: The Unready King of England" King Aethelred II, famously known as "The Unready, " ruled over England during a tumultuous period in history. His reign, chronicled in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, was marked by political instability and Viking invasions. Born into the royal lineage, Aethelred ascended to the throne at a young age following his father's death. However, his rule faced numerous challenges from both internal and external forces. Despite his title meaning "noble counsel, " Aethelred struggled to provide effective leadership. One significant event during his reign was the murder of Edward the Martyr. This tragic incident further destabilized the kingdom and added to Aethelred's difficulties in maintaining control. To finance defense against Viking raids, Aethelred imposed heavy taxes known as Danegeld on his subjects. These payments aimed to appease Viking invaders but often burdened ordinary people with financial strain. A remarkable artifact associated with this era is a penny minted under Aethelred's authority in London around 978 AD. This silver coin showcases intricate craftsmanship and serves as a tangible reminder of medieval currency systems. Another symbol of power linked to the Coronation Stone located in Kingston upon Thames. It holds historical significance as it may have been used for crowning several kings before him - Ethelbald, Ethelbert, Ethelred I, and Alfred - highlighting their shared heritage. Notable figures such as Wulfstan Archbishop York played influential roles during this time by advising King Aethelred on matters concerning religion and governance. Despite facing immense challenges throughout his reign, including ongoing Viking incursions that led to loss of land and resources for England; King Aethlared II left an indomitable mark on history through his struggles for stability amidst chaos.