Eadred (or Edred) was the younger son of Edward the Elder and his third wife, Eadgifu. Although he was acknowledged as king by the Northumbrians on the death of Edmund I, Eadred’s reign was dominated by fighting in the north.
The dates listed in the various chronicles written about the events of Eadred’s reign are contradictory. But between 946 and 954 both Olaf Sihtricson, king of Dublin, and the Norwegian prince Erik Bloodaxe were proclaimed kings by the Northumbrians. By 954 Erik Bloodaxe was dead and Eadred’s kingdom was whole again.
Eadred died on 23 November 955 of a serious illness that left him unable to chew his food. He was buried at Winchester. Although the future was uncertain at the time of his death, Eadred’s reign is remembered for securing English rule of Northumbria. Eadred died unmarried and was succeeded by his nephew, Eadwig.
Essential Facts
Eadred was the grandson of Alfred the Great and the son of Edward the Elder.
Eadred became king of England on the death of his brother, Edmund I.
Eadred was succeeded by his nephew, Eadwig.
Timeline
26 May 946 – Death of Edmund I. Eadred became king of England.
16 August 946 – Coronation of Eadred as king of England.
23 November 955 – Death of Eadred.
