Ethelwulf of Wessex

Ethelwulf was the elder son of King Egbert of Wessex. He was born some time around 800 AD, and succeeded his father as King of Wessex in 839. He fought the invading Danes, whose raids increased considerably. A major victory for Ethelwulf was archived at "Acleah", probably Ockley. Ethelwulf also defeated Cyngen ap Cadell of Wales together with Mercia. In 855, after his wife's death, he went in a pilgrimage to Rome with a younger son, Alfred. In the return journey in 856, he was deposed by his eldest son, Ethelbald. He died January 13, 858 and was buried first at Steyning and then later transferred to Winchester. The image here is an imaginary portrait drawn by an unknown artist in the 18th century. (Probably by the same artist who did many other Saxon portraits of other kings.

The gold ring, depicted in the picture, is about an inch across, richly decorated with religious symbols, is inscribed 'Ethelwulf Rex' and was found at Laverstock, Wiltshire, in 1780; it was believed to have been a gift from Ethelwulf to a loyal follower.