BattlefieldsAthelstan Meets Northern Kings at Penrith 927
Early Medieval

Athelstan Meets Northern Kings at Penrith 927

927
Cumbria, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Cumbria, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Not applicable
Forces
Northern kings: submission without battle.
VS
Victor
Athelstan
Forces
Athelstan: c. 2,000–3,000
Outcome
All northern rulers submitted to Athelstan; English supremacy over Britain formally acknowledged; Athelstan used imperial titles
The Battle

History & Significance

After expelling Guthfrith from York, Athelstan met with the northern rulers at Penrith (near the Eamont Bridge) to receive formal submissions. Constantine II of Scotland, Owain of Strathclyde, and Hywel Dda of Deheubarth all submitted. The meeting confirmed English supremacy over the whole island of Britain, with all petty kings acknowledging Athelstan as overlord. He subsequently used the titles King of the English and Emperor of all Britain.

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