Ealdorman later became the title Earl . Killed at Battle of Brunanburh. Succeeded his father at age 6, but during most of his minority, his mother ruled in his name. During his reign there was a great struggle for temporal power in the Empire between the Papacy and the Holy Roman Emperors. Cerdic, the Saxon Chieftain who founded the Kingdom of Wesses is also considered the virtual founder of the British Monarchy.
Earlier genealogy is considered legendary.
The only qualification for kingship in early days was that they should be descended from Cerdic. Otherwise, fitness to rule was the only other factor taken into consideration. Wihtgar was King of the Isle of Wight and the ancestor of Osburh, mother of Alfred the Great. Became a Christian in 635.