Edmund I

Reign: 939 – 946
Life: 920–946

He had two sons, Eadwig and Edgar, who were young children when he was killed in a brawl with an outlaw at Pucklechurch in Gloucestershire. Edmund was succeeded by his younger brother Eadred, who died in 955 and was followed by Edmund sons in succession. Edmund was initially forced to accept the reverse, the first major setback for the West Saxon dynasty since Alfred's reign, but he was able to recover his position following Anlaf's death in 941. Eadred had to deal with further revolts when he became king, and York was not finally conquered until 954.

During Edmund I's reign, Constantine VII ruled Rome, Emperor Taizong of Liao ruled China, and Emperor Suzaku ruled Japan.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A Short History of England by Simon Jenkins

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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A Short History of England

Simon Jenkins

A brisk, readable survey of English history from the Romans to the present.

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