# Æthelwulf - King of Wessex

URL: https://english-history.com/rulers/aethelwulf
Reign: 839 - 856
Born-Died: c. 795 - 858
Dynasty: House of Wessex
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%86thelwulf,_King_of_Wessex

Æthelwulf inherited Wessex from Egbert and defended it during intensifying Viking attacks. He also strengthened links with the Carolingian world and the papacy while arranging succession among his sons.

## Succession
- Preceded by: [Egbert](https://english-history.com/rulers/egbert)
- Succeeded by: [Æthelbald](https://english-history.com/rulers/aethelbald)

## Timeline events during this reign
- 851 - [A large Viking army winters in England](https://english-history.com/timeline/851-a-large-viking-army-winters-in-england)