King of Wessex (899–924). He was the eldest son of King Alfred, whom he succeeded in 899. He continued his father’s policy of repossessing the Danelaw. A system of fortified towns was developed. A series of victories (909–18) secured the Midlands and the important towns of Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Stamford, and Nottingham and convinced the Danes of the need to recognize English rule south of the Humber. Edward’s authority was also acknowledged in southern Scotland.