General Notes

Reigned 802-839.
In 800 at the decease of King Brithric, Egbert was called by the voice of
his
countrymen to assume the Government of Wessex, and he subsequently
succeeded
in reducing all the Kingdoms of the Heptarchy under his sway. His reign, a
long and glorious one, is memorable for the great victories he achieved
over
the Danes.
See Europäisch Stammtafeln Bund II tafel 58.

Offa, king of Mercia forced Egbert into exile at the court of Charlemagne.
However, Egbert returned to England in 802 and was recognized as king of
Wessex. He defeated the Mercians at the battle of Ellendun in 825, and in
829 the Northumbrians accepted his overlordship, as he was proclaimed
"Bretwalda" or sole ruler of Britain.

. Egbert, is regarded as the first King of England. He reigned from 802 to
829 (839?). He was born about 775 and fled from his cousin Brethrick,
taking refuse in the court of Charlemagne, where he stayed for about
twelve years, serving as one of his captains. On the death of Brethrick,
who was poisoned by his wife, Egbert returned to England. In 802 at
Winchester he was crowned King of the West Saxons. He subdued West Wales,
or Cornwall, defeated the King of Mercia at Ellandune, annexed Kent and in
829 he became overlord of all the English kings and gave the name of
England to the whole realm. There are still in existence some coins struck
by Egbert, though these are now extremely rare. In 835 Egbert defeated a
formidable army of Danes at Hingston Down in Cornwall, when they attempted
to invade England. He died in 839, and was buried at Westminster. He
married Lady Readberga (Redburga). He was succeeded by his son, Ethelwulf.