In the succeeding year he died, and the kingdom descended to his weak son, AEthelwulf.

His second son, AEthelstan, was placed over Kent, Essex, Surrey, and Sussex, as under-king.
[1] This entry in the Chronicle, however, is probably erroneous, as an exactly similar one occurs under AEthelwulf, seven years later.
Next spring, the flood of wickings began to pour in earnest over England.

Thirty-three piratical ships sailed up Southampton Water to pillage Southampton, perhaps with an ultimate eye to the treasures of royal Winchester, the capital and minster-town of the West Saxon over-lord himself.

This was a bold attempt, but the West Saxons met it in full force.

The ealdorman Wulfheard gathered together the levy of fighting men, attacked the host, and put it to flight with great slaughter.