Genealogy of the

House of Wessex

Overview

The early genealogy of the House of Wessex is intertwined with myth and legend, making it challenging to establish precise details. However, historical records suggest that Cerdic’s descendants ruled Wessex for several generations before achieving prominence on the broader English stage. Established in the 6th century, the House of Wessex traced its origins to the legendary figure of Cerdic, who is believed to have founded the kingdom of Wessex in the late 5th or early 6th century.

One of the most notable figures in the early history of the House of Wessex is King Egbert, who reigned from 802 to 839. Egbert is often credited with establishing Wessex as the dominant kingdom in England, paving the way for his successors to assert their authority over the other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Egbert’s descendants continued to rule Wessex and, eventually, all of England. One of the most famous rulers of the House of Wessex was Alfred the Great, who reigned from 871 to 899. Alfred is remembered for his efforts to defend England against Viking invasions and for his contributions to law, education, and culture.

After Alfred, the House of Wessex continued to produce a line of strong and capable rulers, including Edward the Elder, Athelstan, Edmund I, and Edgar the Peaceful. These kings further solidified Wessex’s dominance over England and helped lay the foundations for the kingdom’s eventual unification.

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