2007-10-18 22:44:19 · 7 answers · asked by erson j 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
The first King of England is probably Aelle (AD 477. King of the Suth Seax (South Saxons,) King of Sussex in Southern England and the first true English King. See http://www.englandandenglishhistory.com/adventus-saxonem-saxonum/default.aspx for an overview.
After the Romans a period of confusion arose, eventually resulting the formation of a number of smaller Anglo-SAxon kingdoms - Northumbria, Cumbria, Mercia, Wessex to name a few. Each had its own king. Many important kings ruled (such as Alfred the Great) during this time, but only over parts of England.
The Viking invasions altered a great deal in the balance of power within England. Eventually power became increasingly centred around an English and a Norse/Viking/Danish ruler. Probably the first king of ALL England was a Dane called Cnut or Canute (994-1035).
With the Norman conquest (1066) and the Rule of William I England became a firmly established single state. A new system of administration was imposed and all of the smaller kingdoms became nothing but historical memories.
2007-10-18 22:52:13 · answer #1 · answered by justin_grate 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Probably the first King of all England was Alfred, after he had conquered the Danes. Then there were his successors and also Danish Kings like Cnut. English history did not begin in 1066.
2007-10-18 22:54:17 · answer #2 · answered by rdenig_male 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wikipedia traces the lineage of rulers of England back to 519 A.D., with the start of the House of Wessex and its first ruler, Cerdic. However, these rulers are more properly called "King of Wessex" as they did not rule over all of England. Alfred the Great, of the line of Wessex, is commonly thought to be the first real ruler of England (871 - 899), though even he only ruled southern England, Wessex. Athelstan is the first ruler called "King of the English" (924 - 939), and his successor was the first called "King of England" -- this was Edmund I of England (939 - 946).
2007-10-19 02:29:48 · answer #3 · answered by Lynda O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is not really a defining date when England had its first monarch as the extent of the ruler ship of early monarchs was not clear cut - how much of England did they rule, how much was under the rule of opposing forces etc?
If you follow the link below you will see a table of monarchs there starting with Egbert in 802-839.
2007-10-18 22:57:13 · answer #4 · answered by Gaspode the wonder dog 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope, sorry...
Athelstan was the first king of all England 895-939
2007-10-18 22:53:53 · answer #5 · answered by Lowlevel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Me lad, do ye not grok the legend of Arthur and Camelot?
Tis a grand and tragic tale of heroic warriors, lovely maidens, an honorable king and, sadly, love gone awry.
Twas the knights of the Round Table led by King Arthur and his most trusted servant the inviolate Lancelot who was tragically enamored with the most lovely Queen Guenevere.
2007-10-18 23:02:29 · answer #6 · answered by wroockee 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
king arthur
2007-10-18 23:32:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋