How successful were Edmund and Eadred in their struggles with the Danes?

The reigns of Edmund (939-946) and Eadred (946-955) were marked by ongoing conflict with the Danes, who continued to pose a significant threat to English stability after the successes of Alfred the Great and his successors. While both kings achieved some victories, the extent of their success in permanently subduing the Danes remains open to debate.

Arguments for Success:

Edmund's Inheritance and Victories: Edmund inherited a kingdom that had been consolidated by his predecessor, Aethelstan, who had achieved a significant degree of control over the Danes in York. This strong foundation allowed Edmund to focus on securing his rule and further consolidating English power. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records victories by Edmund, celebrated in victory poems, which demonstrate his ability to defeat Danish forces and maintain English control over certain territories.

Welsh Submission and Reduced Enemies: Edmund's success in subduing some of the Welsh princes, as evidenced by the submission of Hywel Dda, reduced the number of enemies he had to contend with. This allowed him to concentrate his efforts on tackling the Danish threat, making it easier to achieve victories and maintain stability in the face of Danish aggression.

Eadred's Assertiveness and Danish Submission: Eadred's reign saw a more direct approach to dealing with the Danes in York. Ultimately, he forced the Danes to acknowledge his authority, marking a significant step in asserting English dominance over the region. This allowed for a period of relative peace and stability under English rule.

Arguments for Limited Success:

Danish Instability and Peace Brokering: Despite Edmund's victories, the presence of Olaf Guthrithsson in York continued to destabilise the country. This situation, along with the murder of Edmund, which weakened English authority, required the Church to broker a peace with the Danes. This demonstrates that the English struggle with the Danes was far from over, and that even after Edmund's successes, a precarious balance of power remained.

Fluctuating Control and Charter Evidence: Eadred's control over the country fluctuated in extent, as attested by charter evidence. This suggests that while he achieved some victories and consolidated power in certain regions, his authority was not absolute and his success was not fully sustainable.

Limited Success against Eric Bloodaxe and Olaf Sihtricson: Eadred's struggles with formidable Danish leaders like Eric Bloodaxe and Olaf Sihtricson demonstrate that his success was not total. While he managed to resist their incursions, he was ultimately unable to decisively defeat them and permanently eliminate their threat. This suggests that English control over the Danes remained fragile and subject to constant challenges.

Conclusion:

Edmund and Eadred made progress in their struggles with the Danes, achieved significant victories, and secured some degree of control over Danish territories. However, the ongoing presence of Danish leaders, the need for peace brokering, and fluctuating English authority demonstrate that their success was not absolute. The threat of Danish incursions remained a constant feature of English life, and their reigns cannot be seen as a complete victory over the Danes. While they made strides in securing English dominance, the struggle for control over the territories formerly held by the Danes continued well into the 10th century and beyond.