The definition of a king was difficult to define in those days. It was more a case of the dominant kingdom, such as Wessex, Supplying the king or more accurately, the Bretwalda or overlord.
Many historians consider Athelstan to be the first acknowledged true king of England.
Wessex became the predominant Saxon kingdom in England. The southern Kingdom's power was such that thirteen kings from Alfred the Great to Harold II originated or had some affiliation with Wessex. Submitted 10th January 1998 .