Anglo-Saxon England and the Reconquest of Danelaw 900–19

Edward the Elder’s succession to the throne (899) was challenged by his cousin Aethelwold, who sought Danish support for his claim. A force sent by Edward to quell the rebellion was defeated near Huntingdon (902), but Aethelwold died during the battle, leaving Edward undisputed king. Edward then moved steadily to regain the initiative, buying up Danelaw land and promoting English resettlement. With the support of the Mercian queen, Aethelflaed, he extended Alfred’s system of defensive fortresses northward and raided Danish-held Northumbria. When the Danes retaliated, they were routed at Tettenhall (910). After repelling Viking raids on the Severn Estuary (914). Edward and his Mercian allies moved decisively against the Danes in 917, a series of victories culminating in the destruction of the Danish stronghold at Tempsford and the death of their last East Anglian king. Shortly after occupying Leicester (918), Aethelflaed died, and all the Danes and English of Mercia submitted to Edward.