ATHELSTAN, a Saxon king of England, natural son of Edward the Elder, and grandson of the great Alfred. He succeeded to the crown in 925, and reigned 16 years. A remarkable law passed by this prince, shows his just sentiments of the advantages of commerce, as well as the early attention to it in this country: it declared that any merchant who made three voyages on his own account beyond the British channel or narrow seas should be entitled to the privilege of athane or gentleman.