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How far do you agree with the view that Athelstan's greatest achievement was his success in war?
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This is a completed essay on an A-level question on Athelstan.
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How far do you agree with the view that Athelstan's greatest achievement was his successin war?
Athelstan achieved many different achievements during his 15-year reign. Such as: military
achievements both including war and intimidation, administration, church and monasticism, cultural
and educational reforms, foreign relations and then finally employed new laws which “strongly”
encouraged loyalty throughout England. Admittedly Athelstan’s success in war were his main forms
of achievements and were certainly his greatest achievement. This is because his success in war links
to Athelstan’s other great achievements such as his kingship, government and administration over
Britain. As this accomplishment would not have been made possible without his outstanding success
in war.
Proof of Athelstan’s military success being very commendable, and his greatest achievement are
seen by how he successfully drove the Norse leaders Olaf Sihtricsson and Guthfrith out of
Northumbria, thus then taking control of York in 927. Albeit was very short lived as, following that,
he triumphantly re-stormed the city after Guthfrith returned and besieged it. This achievement
allowed him to subdue the Viking threat, sever alliances between the northern leaders and baptise
Constantine’s son showing he had gained the upper hand. Additionally, representing his willingness
to use military force and skill. This is only a partial achievement of Athelstan’s and support the view
of how Athelstan’s greatest achievement was his success in war. As additionally his outstanding an
unparalleled success at the battle of Brunanburh in 937 which was a retaliation for raiding the
Scottish settlements as far North as Kincardine and Caithness. As in 937 Constantine of Scotland
formed an alliance with Oswain of Strathclyde and the Hiberno-Norse leader Olaf Guthfrithson to
invade England together. links to his next greatest achievement which was administration. This is
because now for the first time ever Athelstan had gained over lordship and authority over the entire
kingdom. Unifying and expanding his kingdom, a feat not even achieved by his grandfather Alfred
the Great.
However, Athelstan also accomplished this through his diplomatic and strategic personality that
helped him truly gain him control over England after he conquered it. This is seen and proved by
how many factions in the North still wished to keep their independence and despised Athelstan’s
control over them when he acquired Northumbria. Which additionally, made him the first West
Saxon ruler to have a border with the Scots. A very significant accomplishment further highlighting
the grandness of Athelstan’s achievement through his success in war. However, Athelstan sought to
solidify this through diplomatic tactics and thus arranged for a meeting on 12 July 927 where he
gathered the kings in the island to Eamont, near Penrith. There Hywel of the West Welsh,
Constantine, king of the Scots, Oswain, king of the people of Gwent, and Ealdred, son of Eadwulf,
from bamburgh, all ‘established peace with pledges, oaths and then renounced all idolatry and
afterwards departed in peace. This act of diplomacy links with his war achievements in unifying the
English kingdom as well as his kingship. This, however, is less significant as it usefulness and
accomplishments wouldn’t have been obtained without his success in war. Furthermore, if rebellions
did outbreak it would be justifiable to deduce that Athelstan could use his military prowess to
squash them and establish order.
Athelstan’s second greatest achievement, based off the previous point and the fact that it wouldn’t
have been possible if not for his success in war, is slightly and consequently just less than his success
in war. This is his administration and government over after becoming the first King of all England,
with complete control over the north. As Athelstan dealt with disputes over law, policies and
established new structurers of government through innovated solutions. Such as centralising charter
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