I couldn’t find exactly the right family tree, so we have a few unfortunately, which overlap a bit. Still, find the one that works for you. The Family trees below include:
- The House of Cerdic up to Egbert, 802
- The House of Wessex: Egbert to Edmund Ironside
- The Kings of England: Alfred to Henry Ist
- The Kings of Mercia
The House of Cerdic up to Egbert, 802
The House of Wessex: Egbert to Eadred
The Kings of England: 946-1066
The Kings of Mercia
Wonderful, thankyou.
Just what I was looking for.
Thanks
Thanks for the family trees, quite a forest! Trying to follow the history of Elfrida and finding all the names difficult.
Massive fan of your series! I was just wondering if you had any specific sources for these family trees? Or is this what you’ve managed to piece together from the limited material from the period?
Cheers!
Nothing specific – I tend to search around – books, websites etc
So who really was the first true king of England. I have been listening to your podcasts from the beginning, up to episode 66…. totally fantastic. I have particularly enjoyed the Anglo Saxon era. I ask the question as it is hard to find a certain answer.
Thank you! I think the crown goes to Aethelstan, personally
Thanks for the reply. Why do historians all seem to disagree about who was the first king of England. I watched a very good video on YouTube that made the argument for Alfred the Great. Do you know of any good discussions around all this. I will take opinion as I know you have done so.much research. Every time I read a historians view on this I change my mind
It’s the definition really. I don’t think it is Alfred – he has the idea of a united England, but never got East of the Trent or north of the Humber. Edward the Elder temporarily took Northumbria, but could not hold it. After Aethelstan, there was no going back.
I need to review this time period, I already changed my mind since I arrived at this site.
I am researching English, Scottish, and Welsh rulers for a friend. I may have completed the Welsh princes, I need to connect the family to their ancestors in England, and I will be digging into the Picts and Dal Raita Scots. I will probably do some work in Ireland. The existing research joins the Royal family at Edward III.
I am going to try to follow this discussion.
Are you going to add the family tree for the rulers of Notthumbria/ Bernicia and Deira at some point, since it’s one of the major kingdoms(s) of the time.
It’s a good point, of course…I’ve kind of moved on though, but will put it on the list!
I love your podcast. I began reading the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and found it interesting that some of the Anglo-Saxons Kings ancestry went even before Woden (to a figure named “Geat” I think?). Looking at your family tree for the Kings of Mercia I was wondering if you had any thought on that. I understand the chroniclers were Christian and wouldn’t have worshipped Woden (Odin) but thought it was interesting.
Yes the genealogies of the anglo saxon kingdoms are fascinating. Of course they predate our scientific era and so unashamedly include myth and aspiration. They all trace themselves back to a god (usually though not always) Woden (the East Saxons trace themse;ves back to Seaxneat); they usually trace themselves back to a semi mythical founder figure (Mercia traces back to Icel, and referred to themselves as the Icelingas). When christianity arrives they don’t panic – just shove Adam in at the top, squaring the circle.
This is really cool. Thank you for your response!