Æthelstan of Kent
Æthelstan (floruit 839–851x855) was either the eldest son or younger brother of King Æthelwulf of Wessex, different surviving versions of the Anglo Saxon Chronicle providing alternative relationships. He ruled as King of Kent. Æthelweard's chronicle calls him "King of the Dwellers in Kent, of the East Saxons, of the South Saxons and of Surrey".
When Æthelwulf became King of the West Saxons in 839 on the death of his father Egbert of Wessex, he appointed Æthelstan to rule in Kent and surrounding former kingdoms. A number of charters issued by Æthelstan survive.
The last record of Æthelstan is circa 851 when, along with Ealdorman Ealhhere, he defeated a Viking fleet and army at Sandwich. Ealhhere's death in battle against Vikings is recorded c. 853, Æthelstan is not mentioned. It is presumed that he died some time after the battle in 851 and before his brother Æthelberht of Wessex became ruler of Kent, c. 858. He may have died before 856 because if he were eldest son, he most likely would have inherited the throne of Wessex before Ethelbald.
References
- Kirby, D.P., The Earliest English Kings. London: Unwin Hyman, 1991. ISBN 0-04-445691-3
- Yorke, Barbara, Kings and Kingdoms in Early Anglo-Saxon England. London: Seaby, 1990. ISBN 1-85264-027-8