# Æthelbald - King of Wessex

URL: https://english-history.com/rulers/aethelbald
Reign: 856 - 860
Born-Died: c. 834 - 860
Dynasty: House of Wessex
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%86thelbald,_King_of_Wessex

Æthelbald took power in Wessex while his father Æthelwulf was abroad and retained the kingdom after his father's return. His brief reign reflected the family struggles that accompanied Viking-era succession.

## Succession
- Preceded by: [Æthelwulf](https://english-history.com/rulers/aethelwulf)
- Succeeded by: [Æthelberht](https://english-history.com/rulers/aethelberht)