Athelstan Collection

King Athelstan
KING ATHELSTAN King of England (reigned 924-939)

Battle of Brunanburh during the Viking invasions of England
Battle of Brunanburh between the Anglo-Saxon King Aethelstan and an alliance of Olaf Guthfrithson and others, during the Viking invasions of England

Norsemen in Humber
The Danish king Anlaff sails from Ireland with Cumbrian and Scottish allies and enters the Humber, but they are defeated by Athelstan

Athelstan ordering the Bible to be translated into the Saxon Language, (1796). Athelstan (c895-939) was the first monarch to take the title of king of England. He ruled from 924 to 939

Monastic life in Saxon times, 1920's (litho)
832961 Monastic life in Saxon times, 1920's (litho) by Tennant, C. Dudley (1867-1952); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration from Hutchinson's Story of the British Nation)

Saxon King, c. 1515 (oil on oak panels)
1765236 Saxon King, c.1515 (oil on oak panels) by English School, (16th century); 143x76 cm; Society of Antiquaries of London

Saxon King, c. 1515 (oil on oak panel)
1765237 Saxon King, c.1515 (oil on oak panel) by English School, (16th century); 143x25 cm; Society of Antiquaries of London

Saxon King, c. 1515 (oil on oak panels)
1765240 Saxon King, c.1515 (oil on oak panels) by English School, (16th century); 55x51x38 cm; Society of Antiquaries of London

Saxon King, c. 1515 (oil on oak panels)
1765239 Saxon King, c.1515 (oil on oak panels) by English School, (16th century); 40x34x26 cm; Society of Antiquaries of London

Saxon King, c. 1515 (oil on oak panels)
1765238 Saxon King, c.1515 (oil on oak panels) by English School, (16th century); 33.8x32 cm; Society of Antiquaries of London

Anlaf entering the Humber AD 937 (litho)
956213 Anlaf entering the Humber AD 937 (litho) by Paget, Henry Marriott (1856-1936); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cassells History of England published by Cassell and Company Limited circa 1920)

French ambassadors before Athelstan, 1920s (litho)
833013 French ambassadors before Athelstan, 1920s (litho) by Prater, Ernest (fl.1885-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration from Hutchinsons Story of the British Nation)

Sion College, at London Wall, near Cripplegate. Founded by Royal Charter in 1630 as a college, guild of parochial clergy and almshouse, under the 1623 will of Thomas White

The Submission of Guthrum to King Alfred, illustration from Hutchinson
IL281024 The Submission of Guthrum to King Alfred, illustration from Hutchinsons History of the Nations (litho) by Bone, Herbert Alfred (1854-1932) (after); Private Collection; British

Athelstan House Remand / Probation Home, Birmingham
Athelstan House on Moseley Road, Birmingham, was built in 1911 following a gift from Barrow Cadbury. Over the next 90 years, it variously served as a boys hostel, remand home and probation hostel

Baptism of King Guthorm, AD 878, from A Chronicle of England BC 55 to AD 1485, pub
984724 Baptism of King Guthorm, AD 878, from A Chronicle of England BC 55 to AD 1485, pub. London, 1863 (colour litho) by Doyle

Kings of England (engraving)
665131 Kings of England (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Kings of England. Illustration from unidentified 19th century history of England)

Athelstan ordering the Bible to be translated into the Saxon language (engraving)
5220761 Athelstan ordering the Bible to be translated into the Saxon language (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Athelstan ordering the Scriptures to be made public after having had them translated into the Saxon Language (engraving)
1107989 Athelstan ordering the Scriptures to be made public after having had them translated into the Saxon Language (engraving) by English School

Athelstane, (c894- 939), 1830. Creator: Unknown
Athelstane, (c894- 939), 1830. Athelstan (c894- 939) King of the Anglo-Saxons from 924 to 927 and King of the English from 927 to 939 when he died

Athelstan, 18th century. Creator: Unknown
Athelstan, 18th century. Athelstan (c894-939) King of the Anglo-Saxons from 924 to 927 and King of the English from 927 to 939 when he died

Athelstan saves his Fathers life by taking Leofrid the Dane Prisoner, 1773. Creator
Athelstan saves his Fathers life by taking Leofrid the Dane Prisoner, 1773. King Athelstan (894-939) saving the Life of his Father, Edward the Elder, (874-924) at the Battle of Sherwood

Seizing the Reins in One Hand, and Stirring Up the Horse with his Umbrella, 1928. Illustration originally published in " The Scarlet Herring" by E A Parry, [Heinemann]

King Athelstan saving the Life of his Father, Edward the Elder at the Battle of Sherwood, c1787
King Athelstan saving the Life of his Father, Edward the Elder at the Battle of Sherwood by taking Leofrid the Dame Prisoner, c1787

The Exposure of Prince Edwin, (1810). Artist: Milton
The Exposure of Prince Edwin, (1810). In 938 AD, Edwin, brother of King Athelstan, was implicated in a conspiracy. As a punishment he was set adrift in a small boat with no rudder or sail

Four early English kings. Edward the Elder, Athelstan, Edmund I, Edred. Engraving from The New, Impartial and Complete History of England by Edward Barnard, published in London 1783

Illuminated manuscript page of the Gospels in Latin
Page from the Latin Gospels given by King Aethelstan to the Church of Canterbury, 900s AD. Hand-colored 19th-century woodcut reproduction of the document

Athelstan English Bible
Athelstan orders the English translation of the Bible to be published

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Athelstan, the renowned King of England, left an indelible mark on history with his remarkable reign. Born in the 9th century, he ascended to the throne and faced numerous challenges during his rule. One of his most significant achievements was leading his troops to victory in the Battle of Brunanburh against Viking invaders. The Norsemen had long plagued England's shores, but Athelstan's strategic brilliance turned the tide. With unwavering determination, he led his forces to triumph over these fierce warriors, securing peace and stability for his kingdom. The battle became a turning point in English history and solidified Athelstan's reputation as a formidable leader. Despite facing external threats from Vikings crossing the Humber River, it also focused on internal affairs. He recognized the importance of monastic life in Saxon times and supported religious institutions throughout his realm. His patronage fostered cultural growth and intellectual development within England. Athelstan's legacy extends beyond battles won; it is immortalized through art as well. Paintings such as "Saxon King" depict him regally seated on oak panels, capturing both his power and dignity. These masterpieces serve as reminders of a king who ruled with authority yet possessed compassion for his people. His diplomatic prowess was equally impressive; depicted in lithographs like "French ambassadors before Athelstan, " they showcase how he commanded respect not only from adversaries but also from foreign dignitaries seeking alliances with England. In London Wall near Cripplegate stood Sion College—a place where knowledge flourished under Athelstan's reign. Scholars gathered here to exchange ideas and contribute to society’s intellectual progress—an enduring testament to this visionary king’s commitment to education. Athelstan remains an iconic figure whose accomplishments shaped medieval England profoundly. From defeating Viking invaders at Brunanburh to fostering cultural growth through patronage—his influence resonates even today.