King Eadwig: The Controversial King Who Divided England

King Eadwig (sometimes spelled Edwy) was a Saxon king who ruled England from 955 to 959. His reign is remembered for internal conflicts, strained relations with the church, and a significant rift within the royal family. Though Eadwig’s time on the throne was short, it left a lasting impression on English history, marked by his bold decisions, personal controversies, and ultimately, his dethronement in favor of his younger brother, Edgar the Peaceful.

Early Life and Background
Eadwig was born around 940 to Edmund I, King of England, and his second wife, Ælfgifu of Shaftesbury. As the eldest son of Edmund I, Eadwig was in line to inherit the throne. His upbringing would have prepared him for kingship, but his reign would prove to be tumultuous and divisive.

Eadwig’s early life is not well documented, but he was likely educated in the traditions of the royal court and trained in governance and warfare. He was about 15 years old when his uncle, King Eadred, died in 955, leaving the throne to the young prince.

Coronation and Early Reign
Eadwig was crowned king at Kingston upon Thames in 955. His coronation ceremony is famously remembered for an incident that would shape his reputation and reign.

According to legend, during the coronation feast, Eadwig left the gathering to be with a woman named Æthelgifu and her daughter. This act was seen as a scandalous breach of royal protocol. The churchman Dunstan, who would later become the Archbishop of Canterbury, reportedly dragged the young king back to the feast, admonishing him for neglecting his royal duties.

This incident, whether entirely accurate or exaggerated, set the tone for Eadwig’s reign. He was perceived by some as reckless and indulgent, while others saw him as a young king asserting his independence from powerful church figures.

Conflict with the Church and Nobility
One of the defining features of Eadwig’s reign was his strained relationship with the church, particularly with Dunstan. The rift between the king and the church leadership stemmed from Eadwig’s personal choices and his perceived defiance of ecclesiastical authority.

Dunstan, who had been a close advisor to Eadred, found himself at odds with Eadwig. The young king’s liaison with Æthelgifu was seen as inappropriate by church leaders, and Dunstan’s disapproval led to his temporary exile from England. This conflict weakened Eadwig’s support among the clergy, a crucial pillar of medieval kingship

The nobility, too, became divided over Eadwig’s rule. His decisions to redistribute land and titles created enemies among the aristocracy, particularly in the northern regions of England. His reign was marked by internal divisions that would ultimately lead to his downfall.

Marriage to Ælfgifu
Eadwig married Ælfgifu, who is believed to have been from a prominent family. However, their marriage was controversial. Some sources suggest that Ælfgifu was related to Eadwig within the prohibited degrees of kinship, making the union unacceptable in the eyes of the church.

The marriage further strained Eadwig’s relations with church leaders, particularly Oda of Canterbury, who annulled the union on the grounds of consanguinity. The annulment was a significant blow to Eadwig’s authority and further weakened his position.

The ruins of Glastonbury Abbey where King Eadwig was buried

The Division of the Kingdom
Perhaps the most significant event of Eadwig’s reign was the division of the kingdom. In 957, a faction of nobles in Mercia and Northumbria rebelled against Eadwig’s rule. They declared their support for his younger brother, Edgar, who was seen as a more favorable ruler.

The division effectively split England into two:

Eadwig retained control of Wessex and Kent (southern England).

Edgar was proclaimed king of Mercia and Northumbria (the northern and central regions).

This partition of the kingdom marked a significant moment in English history, as it demonstrated the fragility of royal authority and the influence of regional power centers.

Despite the division, Edgar’s rule in the north was largely peaceful, earning him the moniker “Edgar the Peaceful”. The split also laid the groundwork for Edgar’s eventual unification of the kingdom after Eadwig’s death.

Death and Succession
Eadwig died suddenly in 959 at the age of 19 or 20. The exact cause of his death is unknown, but it is believed to have been natural causes. His premature death brought an end to a short and turbulent reign.

Following Eadwig’s death, Edgar assumed control of the entire kingdom, ushering in a period of relative peace and stability. Edgar’s reign is often considered one of the most successful in early English history, in stark contrast to his brother’s troubled rule.

Eadwig was buried at Glastonbury Abbey, a site associated with Dunstan, his former adversary. His death marked the end of a contentious chapter in the history of the English monarchy.

Legacy
Eadwig’s legacy is mixed. He is often remembered for his personal scandals and the division of the kingdom, but his reign also reflects the challenges faced by young monarchs in asserting their authority.

While Eadwig’s rule was marked by conflict and controversy, it set the stage for significant developments in English history. The division of the kingdom and the subsequent reunification under Edgar paved the way for the consolidation of royal power and the establishment of a more stable monarchy.

Eadwig’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities of medieval kingship and the delicate balance between personal ambition and political responsibility.

Conclusion
King Eadwig’s reign was short but eventful, leaving a lasting impact on English history. His struggles with the church and nobility highlight the challenges faced by medieval kings in balancing personal desires with the demands of governance. Though overshadowed by his more successful brother, Edgar, Eadwig’s reign remains a fascinating chapter in the story of England’s early monarchs.

Born: Circa 940

Died: October 1, 959

Mother: Ælfgifu of Shaftesbury

Father: Edmund I, King of England

Wife: Ælfgifu

Children: None recorded

Predecessor: Eadred

Successor: Edgar the Peaceful