Weohstan

Weohstan was a figure in Anglo-Saxon history, primarily known for his association with the Mercian royal family. He is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as the father of Wigstan, a Mercian prince. The details of Weohstan's own life are scarce, but his lineage is considered important for understanding the succession and political landscape of Mercia during the 9th century.

Sources suggest Weohstan was a nobleman who held significant influence. His marriage to Elswith, a daughter of King Alfred the Great of Wessex, further cemented his ties to prominent royal houses. This union was politically advantageous, linking Mercia and Wessex at a time when they were increasingly allied against Viking incursions.

Weohstan's son, Wigstan, was a pivotal figure. According to tradition, Wigstan was intended to succeed to the Mercian throne but refused the crown due to a vow, leading to his eventual martyrdom and subsequent veneration as a saint. The limited information about Weohstan himself makes it difficult to ascertain the full extent of his power or specific contributions to the kingdom. However, his role as the father of a significant prince and his royal connections mark him as a notable, albeit historically obscure, individual within the context of early English history. His existence is primarily established through genealogical records and chronicles that document the complex relationships between the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.