Beornwulf

Beornwulf was an Anglo-Saxon king who ruleed the Kingdom of Mercia in the mid-9th century. His reign is known from a variety of historical sources, including the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a collection of annals that records the history of England from the 5th to the 11th centuries.

Beornwulf ascended to the throne in 853, following the death of his predecessor, Burgred. He is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as the King of Mercia who granted land to the Hwicce, a Mercian sub-kingdom, and who fought against the Viking invasions of Britain.

Beornwulf's most notable achievement was his victory over the Viking leader Ivar the Boneless in 865. This battle is recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as a Mercian victory over a large Viking army. However, Beornwulf's success was short-lived, as he was killed in battle by a rival Mercian faction, led by Ludeca, in 890 or 891.

The reasons behind Beornwulf's death are not entirely clear, but it is believed that he was opposed by a group of Mercian nobles who were dissatisfied with his leadership. This faction, which included Ludeca and other powerful Mercian leaders, eventually killed Beornwulf and took control of the kingdom.

Beornwulf's legacy is largely overshadowed by his successor, Alfred, who went on to become King of Wessex and one of the most famous Anglo-Saxon kings in history. Despite this, Beornwulf's reign represents an important turning point in the history of the Kingdom of Mercia, highlighting the tumultuous and often violent nature of Anglo-Saxon politics.