Wessex to elect first leader in almost 1,100 years

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 06:04 · Archive

Voters across Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole will elect a Mayor of Wessex in May 2028, creating the closest thing for centuries to a single political figurehead for the historic region. This marks a return to unified leadership after nearly 1,100 years without a regional ruler.

The original Kingdom of Wessex grew from an Anglo-Saxon kingdom into the powerhouse from which England was unified. Its last king was Athelstan, grandson of Alfred the Great, who reigned until 939. After his death in 939, he was buried at Malmesbury Abbey, where his tomb can still be seen, although the monument is empty and his remains have been lost.

After the unification of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, the Wessex name survived as an earldom, held by Godwin and then his son Harold, who became King Harold II and was defeated at Hastings in 1066. The Earldom of Wessex then disappeared for almost a thousand years until Queen Elizabeth II revived the title for Prince Edward in 1999.

The new devolution deal will restore Wessex to prominence as a political entity, though leadership will be determined by ballot papers rather than succession or conquest. Chancellor John Healey confirmed in the Budget on Wednesday, October 28 that Wessex was among the areas where new devolution agreements were being taken forward.

How it is being reported

• Wessex region prepares for new ‘ruler’ after 1,100 yearsIt has been almost 1,100 years since Athelstan ruled Wessex, but the ancient kingdom is preparing to choose a leader again.Gazette & Herald · 3 Nov, 05:00
• Wessex region prepares for new ‘ruler’ after 1,100 yearsIt has been almost 1,100 years since Athelstan ruled Wessex, but the ancient kingdom is preparing to choose a leader again.Swindon Advertiser · 3 Nov, 05:00
• Wessex region prepares for new ‘ruler’ after 1,100 yearsIt has been almost 1,100 years since Athelstan ruled Wessex, but the ancient kingdom is preparing to choose a leader again.Wiltshire Times · 3 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Wessex · Wiltshire · Somerset · Dorset · Athelstan · John Healey · Alfred the Great · Malmesbury Abbey

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