Æthelstan’s Role in the Restoration of Alan II of Brittany and Louis IV of West Francia (936)

Æthelstan, King of England (924–939), played a significant role in supporting dispossessed young royals, acting as a foster-father to exiled princes and using English resources to restore legitimate rulers to their thrones. In 936, he assists two young rulers in reclaiming their hereditary lands:

1. Alan II, Duke of Brittany, regaining his duchy from the Vikings.
2. Louis IV of West Francia, returning to the Frankish throne after the death of King Rudolph.

Æthelstan Aids Alan II in the Reconquest of Brittany

• Alan II Wrybeard, the son of Count Mathuedoï of Poher, had fled to Æthelstan’s court in England after Brittany was overrun by Viking forces in 919.
• Having spent years in exile under Æthelstan’s protection, Alan gains English support to reclaim his lands.
• In 936, Æthelstan sends an English fleet to support Alan’s return, allowing him to drive out the Vikings and reestablish his rule in Brittany.
• This marks the beginning of the Breton Reconquest, restoring Breton independence and weakening Viking control in western Francia.