Athelstan

Athelstan, son of King Edward the Elder, and grandson of Alfred the Great, was born about 895 A.D., and was crowned king of the Mercians and West Saxons at Kingston-upon-Thames in 925. He conquered portions of Cornwall and Wales, and, on the death of Sihtric, king of Northumbria, who had married one of his daughters, made his successor tributary. In 937, a league, composed of Welsh, Scots, and Danes, was formed against him; and a fierce and decisive battle was fought at Brunanburh (q.v.), in which the allies were utterly defeated, and which became famous in old English song. After this, the reputation of Athelstan, now practically king of all England, spread into the Continent; one of his sisters married Otto the Great, afterwards emperor; another, Hugh, Duke of the French, father of Hugh Capet. At home he exhibited a deep interest in the welfare of his people, improved the laws, built monasteries, and promoted commerce. He died in 941.