Edmund Flashcards
Where did Edmund gain military experience?
At the battle of Brunanburh with his brother
How did Olaf Guthfrithsson threaten Edmund?
Retook York by the end of 939 largely un-opposed
What did Edmund do in response to Guthfrithsson’s capture of York?
Rallied troops to lay siege to him at Leicester in 940
What was the Watling Street Treaty?
Handed over the five boroughs to Guthfrithsson and agreed peace - this agreement gave Edmund time to figure out how to take back the North
When was Olaf Guthfrithsson killed and how?
941 in a raid on Northumbria
Who replaced Olaf Guthfrithsson?
His weak willed cousin Olaf Sihtricsson
By when had Edmund managed to retake the five boroughs?
942
Who was Olaf Sihtricsson replaced by and how long did he last in York?
Raegnald Guthfrisson - Edmund drove him out of York within a year
Was Edmund ultimately successful in regaining his territory from the vikings?
Yes, by 942 he had regained the 5 boroughs
Who was the king of Strathclyde and why was he a threat?
Dunmail, his people had continued to show affinity for the Danes
What did Edmund do to Strathclyde in 945?
Conducted a pre-emptive strike to prevent a Viking resurgence backed by him
Who did Edmund gift Strathclyde to after ravaging it in 945?
Scotland
What did Edmund do to Dunmail’s sons?
Blinded them - ended his lineage and Edmund regained his authority in the far North
Who may have helped Edmund take Strathclyde?
King Dyfed of Wales
How were Edmund’s successes in Strathclyde diminished?
Within a couple of years Dunmail retook Strathclyde - shows the limited nature of Edmund’s achievements
Who was Edmund’s approach towards crime similar to?
His brother Aethelstan - believed that laws should be continually reviewed and altered
What issues was Edmund particularly worried about?
Blood feuding and escaping thralls (slaves)
How did Edmund attempt to end blood feuding?
Banned the actions related to blood feuding (violence etc), he couldn’t ban feuding outright as it was a cultural practice - Edmund was the first king to take serious action against blood feuding
How did Edmund deal with thralls?
He ordered special poses to be formed to round up runaways - leaders were to be hung on the spot and other gang members would be flogged three times, scalped and have their little fingers cut off; and then would be returned to their owners to continue work.
Is there much indication of internal instability during Edmund’s rule?
No
How may Edmund’s dealing of blood feuds be deemed ineffective?
It had already led to a great deal of injury, death and compensation - new laws wouldn’t need to be introduced if there wasn’t a problem to begin with
How did Edmund deal with reformers?
Appointed Dunstan to Abbot of Glastonbury, not fully behind reform movement
How was the relationship between Edmund and the Welsh?
Some Welsh princes submitted to Edmund, reducing his enemies and made concentrating on the Vikings easier.
