Upon the death of Aethelbald, the next brother in line to inherit the throne of Wessex was Aethelbert (Aethelberht). As a young man he had been put in charge of the conquered territory of Kent in the east of his father Aethelwulf ‘s vast dominion, and here he remained for much of his father’s and subsequently his older brother’s reign.
Whilst retaining his position in Kent, he was also able to maintain a good relationship with his older brother Aethelbald and so when the time came in 860 to inherit the throne he did so with little issue.
During his five year rule, Aethelbert faced incursions from the Vikings which, compared to later attacks, appeared to inflict minimal damage.
Arguably the most significant aspect of his reign was the uniting of all the territories under his leadership, so that there was no sub-king of Kent to survey over the territory but rather for the first time a completely united kingdom. He would thus become King of both Wessex and Kent, a position and union which would remain intact as it was passed down to subsequent generation of kings.
During his five year rule, Aethelbert would face off the Vikings and unite Kent with Wessex whilst remaining on good terms with his younger brothers Aethelred and Alfred the Great. who looked set to inherit the throne after he died.
Thus, in the autumn of 865 his passing led to the succession of Aethelred, the next brother in line. Aethelbert was subsequently buried at Sherborne Abbey in Dorset alongside his older brother Aethelbald.
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Jessica Brain is a freelance writer specialising in history. Based in Kent and a lover of all things historical.
Published: 15th July 2024.
