Various Kings in various parts of England all claimed to be the true King of England at this time. These were times so confused that even Northumbria was considered important. These kings included

Ethelbald not to be confused with Aethelbald, who came later. Or with Bald Ethyl, who came much much later and was hardly a King.

Offa. Offa is primarily known for the dyke that ran 75 miles along the Welsh border. Why she ran, or how often she ran is a matter of much conjecture. Sheep still being abundant in Wales, the residents did not even bother peeking through Merlin's tattered dark curtain.

About this time the Vikings, having tired of lutkafisk, decided to take their dragonboats out in a desire to recreate the golden age of the Romans. Thus began another period of rape, pillage and beer. By 872, Danish King Ivar the Boneless (who obviously did better at the pillage and beer than the rape) had invaded York and Wessex and then set up a fish and chip shop in London. He capitulated to local tradition and did not put lye in the fish, but he still refused to wear a bowler hat.

Coming next..The Venerable, the Not so Venerable and the nickname is stolen