King of Wessex (866–71). His rule coincided with unremitting Danish raids that assumed the scale of an invasion. Assisted by his younger brother, Alfred, Ethelred had some success against those Danes advancing into neighbouring Mercia (868), and into Wessex itself (870). However, three major battles, including a defeat near the Danish base at Reading and a notable victory at Ashdown, and numerous skirmishes, failed to give any advantage to Ethelred who died of wounds received in the Battle at Merton.