Place Name
Athelstan – or Æthelstan – (about AD894 – October 27, AD939) was the the first Anglo-Saxon ruler to be recognised as King of All England. He was crowned King of Wessex and Mercia in Kingston on September 4, AD924 or AD925, its apparent significance perhaps as the border between Wessex and Mercia. He was crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Athelm, who is thought to have instigated the wearing of a crown instead of a helmet. Among his achievements was at the Battle of Brunnanburh where he beat a combined force of Danes, Scots, Welsh and Irish. He died at the age of 44.
