Æthelstan, often hailed by modern historians as the first King of England, is considered a significant figure in the West Saxon dynasty, although his accomplishments were long overshadowed by his grandfather, Alfred the Great. Noted for his just and learned rule, Æthelstan's governance was admired by contemporary and later chroniclers alike, with William of Malmesbury praising him highly. Scholars like Simon Keynes and Frank Stenton regard Æthelstan as comparable to Alfred, emphasizing his central role in establishing the concept of a unified England.

Despite not achieving the permanent conquest of Viking York—a feat accomplished by his successors—Æthelstan's military campaigns were foundational in making such achievements possible. His governance laid the groundwork for the centralized government and legal reforms seen later in the Anglo-Saxon period. This included the creation of a highly organized administrative system that would be further developed by his successors. Æthelstan also continued his grandfather’s ecclesiastical policies, strengthening the church's role in England and laying the groundwork for monastic reforms later in the century. He was deeply respected in his lifetime, celebrated as a military leader, a devout king, and a patron of learning and religion.

However, his memory waned after his death, with later generations focusing more on Alfred the Great. It was not until William of Malmesbury in the twelfth century that Æthelstan's achievements were revisited in historical accounts. His reputation saw fluctuating interest over the centuries, largely absent in popular consciousness and significantly overshadowed by Alfred until scholarly revival in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Overall, Æthelstan's reign marked a pivotal moment in early medieval England, establishing precedents in governance, law, and ecclesiastical organization that would influence the subsequent development of the English state.