Edward The Elder 899-925

Edward was born in 875, and was to take three wives in his life: Ecgwyn, Æflaed, Eadgifu. He had many children.

From Ecgwyn were: Æthelstan and Editha, from Ælflaed were: Ælfweard, Eadflaed, Eadgifu, Æthelhild, Eadgyth, Ælgifu, Elsfeda, Eadwine and two unnamed daughters, from Eadgifu: Eadmund, Eadred, Elfred, Eadgifu, Eadburgh.

Edward was the first of 75 years of Alfreds hereditary stock, which gave England strength and growth. Edward's eldest sister had married Æthelred of Mercia, a most dynastic marriage, and through her new power as Lady of Mercia, she was able to help Edward re-conquer the midlands and south-east of England.

Edward also saw the power to be gained through strategic marriages, and he is one of the first kings to have used marriage to his benefit, gaining a great deal of children. Edward died in 925, after reigning for 26 years.