12 July 927
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    • A brief history
    • Explanation of the date
    • The maps
    • Three important battles
    • Anglo Saxon Chronicle
  • Debate
    • Land genetics language...
    • Other dates
  • King Athelstan
    • Athelstan museum
    • His life and reign
    • Books about Athelstan
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Discussion

Definition and timing are difficult - 12 July 927 is only one strong claimant to the starting point....

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Other claims on date and leadership

There are other claimants to the start date - reflecting the evolution of the nation.

Egbert was probably the first to claim the title bretwalda - Ruler of Britain early in the ninth century following the battle of Ellandum defeating Mercia.


Egbert of Wessex

Alfred the Great

Alfred the Great was Egbert's grandson and the most well known Saxon King.

It is probably during his time that the concept of England began to be defined. Alfred was the first King of the West Saxons to style himself "King of the Anglo-Saxons".

However, he did not realise it himself and it was arguably his own grandson, Athelstan, who achieved this ideal.
Alfred the Great

1013 - Danes take control

By 1013, England was an established nationwith defined borders and identity.

Under Ethelred - two generations on from Athelstan (but not a descendant as he did not marry or have children) the Danes through Svein Forkbeard finally conquered 'England'.

This argues that that the nation of England now already existed as a country by this time.
1013
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