| DATE | BRIEF DESCRIPTION |
| 849 | Born in Wantage, southern England, the youngest son of King Ethelwulf. |
| 871 | Succeeds his brother Ethelred I as King of Wessex. After inconclusive fighting at the Battle of Wilton he makes peace with the Danes. |
| 878 | Defeats the Danes led by Guthrum at the Battle of Edington. |
| 878-893 | Improves the governmental and legal systems of Wessex, as well as encouraging attitudes towards learning. |
| 885 | Repels Danish invasion of Kent. |
| 886 | Captures London. Recognized as King of all England not under Danish rule. |
| 893-896 | Repels another Danish invasion using a strengthened navy and support from the Welsh. |
| 899 | Dies in October. |
