Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms

The West Seaxe (West Saxons / Wessex)

The Gewissae (a Saxon tribe descended from Gewis), landed on the south coast and began to carve out an area of settlement for themselves. This was traditionally in AD 495, where they were led by Cerdic, whose mother (and name) were British.

This straightforward version of events may just be a traditional form of telling a more interesting and intricate story. It has been suggested that Cerdic headed a British power bloc which, with German mercenaries or help related through intermarriage to Jutes or Saxons, staged a takeover and was able to set up a viable Brito-Saxon kingdom. K Sisam points out (in Anglo-Saxon royal genealogies, 1953) that Cerdic's pedigree has no independent authority. It has been put together from that of the Bernician kings and his real ancestry is unknown. He evidently could not claim descent from any German family of importance. This seems to strengthen the possibility of him having position and/or power within Romano-British society. Even the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle describes him and Cynric as ealdormen, a term normally used in ninth century England for someone who was a prominent official having authority, both civil and military, over a specific territory forming part of a kingdom.

It is interesting to note that the date of Cerdic's proposed takeover is very close to the approximate date of the heavy Saxon defeat at Mons Badonicus in circa 496. Could Cerdic have spotted the power vacuum that occurred with the loss of the Bretwalda's power and been in a position to take advantage of it? Given that, and the A-S Chron's description of his rank, it is tempting to think that Cerdic was the head of a partly British noble family with extensive territorial interests along the western end of the Saxon Shore who may have been entrusted with its defence in the last days of sub-Roman authority. Once that authority had faded, he could have decided to go further and assume total authority in the region.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle suggests that when Cerdic and the Gewissae 'landed' (ie. decided to take over) in 495 a Saxon settlement existed around Cerdicesora and that Cerdic, 'within about six years of [his] coming... overcame the West Saxon kingdom' (between 495 - 501) (A-S Chron. mnsrpt. A Parker Chron). Whether or not the above theory is accepted, this took place at about the same time as the Saxons in southern Britain were defeated at Mons Badonicus. This could mean that Cerdic overcame the local territory and its British occupants, but is more likely an indication that the earlier Saxon and Jutish (Ytene) settlements around Southampton Water were bent to Cerdic's cause.

These Jutish settlements had probably existed for thirty or so years, and very likely had mingled with some Saxons who had been settled by the Romans in return for defending the Saxon Shore, plus some communities which may have migrated westwards from the Suth Seaxe. The lack of archaeological evidence in the area that is specifically German supports the idea that the kingdom was formed from elements who had already been partially absorbed into British culture.

Whatever the politics of the situation, by AD 519, Cerdic had fully secured control of his territory and was proclaimed king of the West Seaxe.

(Additional information on eighth century Wessex by Mick Baker.)

495

According to tradition Cerdic and his (young) son Cynric, together with the Gewissae (Saxons with possibly some Jutish companions) land in five ships on the south coast at Cerdices ora (possibly the western side of the Solent), and begin a takeover of the local Jutish/Saxon and sub-Roman territories. The Jutes and Saxons who are already settled there are apparently already referring to themselves as the West Seaxe.

The fighting begins on the same day as Cerdic 'arrives', suggesting that his potential power play begins in violence or immediate resistance.

c.495 - 560

Cerdic (and later Cynric) lead the conquest of the territory of modern Wiltshire. The Wiltsaete (or Wilsaetas, Saxons in modern Wiltshire), appear to migrate into the same territory, either independently as a result of the decaying British defensive situation or as part of Cerdic's invasion.

Cerdic avoids the established British territories to his north and east which have already set themselves up on a defensive footing (postulated as Caer Gwinntguic and Caer Celemion) and aims at securing the more 'soft' territory to the west. Unfortunately, the British chieftains there view this as an invasion to be resisted by force in battles which provide incidents that are also recorded in the traditions of the invaders. Archaeologically too, the newcomers leave more conspicuous traces of their presence in settlements that do not initially merge with those of the locals, unlike in Hampshire and southern Berkshire, the heartland of their powerbase.

501

With the initial conquest of the West Seaxe complete, attention is turned to expansion from the Gewissae's Hampshire heartland.

A newly arrived Saxon chieftain and his two ships of followers kill a Briton of very high rank at Portesmutha (British Portus Adurni, modern Portsmouth, possibly the last surviving part of the proposed British kingdom of Rhegin - alternatively, the Briton could have been Gerreint of Dumnonia). The chieftain's name appears to have been lost, as it has been conveniently recorded as Port in the West Seaxe annals. His sons are Bieda and Mægla (a probable British name - another of Cerdic's British allies?).

508

Cerdic (and Cynric, credited in name at least) defeats Natanleod's Britons. Afterwards the area is known as Natan leag (Netley Marsh, Hampshire). Could Natanleod have been a rival British chieftain (perhaps of Caer Gwinntguic) who was vying for power with Cerdic?

514

A West Seaxe band of Jutes under Stuf & Wihtgar arrives in three ships at Cerdices ora. Stuf and Wihtgar fight and defeat the local Britons, putting them to flight.

519

After defeating Britons at Cerdices ford, Cerdic is declared king of the West Seaxe.

Cynric is variously described as his son or grandson in different versions of the West Saxon genealogy. Creoda appears between him and Cerdic in the pedigree of Ina of Wessex and some texts that used it, such as Asser and the Chronicle entry for 855. No incident involving him is noted in the annals but his name may survive in a minor Wiltshire place name, Creodanhyll. Theoretically, Creoda could have been Cerdic's son, and Cynric his son, or even a much younger brother. If it is assumed that Cynric was very young in 495, perhaps no more than ten years old, then the length of his involvement in West Saxon affairs is not quite so unbelievable. Perhaps also Creoda was illegitimate, a factor frequently likely to see an elder son sidelined in favour of a younger, legitimate one.

519 - ?534

Cerdic

Of mixed, Celtic-Saxon, parentage?

- 534

?Creoda

Ruled jointly with Cerdic. [Possibly his son.]

527

The Britons are again defeated, this time at Cerdices leag (Certicesford).

530

Cerdic and Cynric seize Ynys Weith from the Britons at Wihtgaraesburh.

534

Cerdic is buried (according to tradition) at Cerdicesbeorg, a former barrow at Stoke near Hurstbourne recorded in an eleventh century charter. Wihtgar claims the kingship of the Jutish Isle of Wight.

The location of Cerdic's burial suggests he was involved in some operations at the eastern end of the Wansdyke, where it terminates adjacent to the Roman road from Winchester (capital of the proposed Caer Gwinntguic). In 534 that location seems to have been within the northeastern borders of Caer Celemion, close to Caer Ceri's southern border and within touching distance of the Thames Valley Saxons and their Ciltern Saetan neighbours at their westernmost limits.

534 - 560

Cynric

Son of Cerdic [or Creoda according to W-S Regnal List].

552

In a memorable victory, Sorbiodunum (Saxon Searoburh, modern Old Sarum) is captured from the Britons (of the proposed territory of Caer Gwinntguic, which is probably totally overrun at this time). This gives the West Seaxe mastery of central Wiltshire and Salisbury Plain. If the Wiltsaete were not already under West Seaxe dominance then this victory achieves that too. The generation of relative peace following Mons Badonicus is fast coming to an end.

556

Cynric and Ceawlin fight the Britons at Beran byrg (Barbury Castle near Swindon).

The result of the battle, fought very close to the site of Mons Badonicus, is unrecorded, suggesting the victory went to the British of the three cities (led by Caer Gloui), who were quite possibly still using Ambrosius Aurelianus' stronghold as a base of operations.

This event is Ceawlin's first mention, making it seem possible that he was being readied for kingship by Cynric who (if he was a child when Cerdic seized power), would be around sixty-five by now. However, elements in the construction of the A-S Chron text suggests that Ceawlin may not be a direct descendent of Cerdic's, and may even have been a ruler of the Thames Valley Saxons whose family somehow became united with that of the Cerdicingas, although a level of tension between the two groups seems to remain.

560 - 591

Ceaulin / Caelin / Ceawlin

Bretwalda. Battled alongside his brother, Cutha. Died 593.

c.560 - 571

Expansion continues with Ceawlin and Cutha conquering the Ciltern Saeten (Chiltern Saxons).

In a new dimension to the formation of the West Seaxe kingdom, Ceawlin fights exclusively northwards of the kingdom's Hampshire and Wiltshire heartlands. In several expeditions, not all of them successful, he continues down the Thames Valley, but by the 570s he is prevented from reaching Londinium by the East Seaxe, who are already beginning to govern this Middel Seaxe region.

These expeditions can be justified by the fact that the Thames Valley Saxons probably pose as serious a threat to West Seaxe security as they still do at this time to British security in Caer Celemion and Caer Ceri.

568

Ceawlin and Cutha defeat Ethelbert of the Cantware at Wibbandun.

571

The Britons in the area of Biedcanford (possibly Bedford, near Luton, part of the kingdom of Cynwidion) are defeated by Cuthwulf (one of Ceawlin's relatives). Four towns - Lygeanburg (Limbury), Ægelesburg (Aylesbury), Benesington (Benson), and Egonesham (Eynsham) - are captured. The valleys of the Thame and Cherwell are ruled by the West Seaxe, as is the upper valley of the Ouse. Cuthwulf dies in the same year.

This campaign has long puzzled historians, seemingly relating as it does to a much earlier situation when the Thames Valley Saxons were still establishing themselves in the area and were only just starting to encroach on Cynwidion's southern borders, with more advancing southwards from the Midlands. It has been proposed that its inclusion in the A-S Chron should be in the region of 441-471. The entry could be the sole survivor from a preface to the Ceawlin saga explaining how his ancestor Cuthwulf came to establish his rule in the Thames Valley.

577

After losing a battle at Deorham (Dyrham/Hinton Hill, eight miles north of Bath), the Brito-Welsh kingdoms of Caer Baddan (Bathanceaster, modern Bath), Caer Ceri (Cirenceaster, now Cirencester) and Caer Gloui (Gleawanceaster, or Gloucester) are conquered by Ceawlin and another relative, Cuthwine (perhaps the long form of Cutha). The Hwicce, who may at first be under the West Seaxe aegis, migrate into the territory. However, it seems likely that Dumnonia or Glastenning hold onto the West Wansdyke territory just beyond Caer Baddan afterwards.

At this time, the West Seaxe seem to be less a single united political entity and more a collection of tribes who acknowledge the king as the overall figure of authority, but perhaps not someone they have to follow without question.

584

The Romano-British station at Viriconium in Pengwern is sacked, but Cutha is killed in battle at nearby Fethanleag (possibly Stoke Lyne in northeast Oxfordshire). Ceawlin takes 'many townships and countless spoil and returns in anger to his own', apparently giving up on the possibility of expanding the kingdom to the north and perhaps leaving the way clear for the Hwicce to establish themselves in the territory between the Midlands and the West Seaxe. Instead. it seems likely that Ceawlin starts to concentrate his efforts on pushing out the Dumnonian Britons defending the West Wansdyke, beyond Caer Baddan and in front of the Severn Estuary.

591 - 597

Ceol

Son of Cutha.

592

Ceawlin's plans to unseat the West Wansdyke Britons, probably by breaking through the East Wansdyke and taking them from the rear, leads to apparent disaster. His nephew, Ceol, mounts what appears to be a coup, creating 'a great slaughter at Woddesbeorg' (almost certainly the long barrow now called Adam's Grave near Alton Priors, on the north side of the Vale of Pewsey and part of the Eastern Wansdyke), which causes Ceawlin to be driven out. The following year, Ceawlin, plus Cwichelm and Crida, no doubt chieftains associated with him, perish.

If Ceawlin was indeed a Thames Valley Saxon, then Ceol's act puts the West Seaxe firmly back under the control of the Cerdicingas, and also secures them governance over the Thames Valley Saxons.

597 - 611

Ceolwulf

Brother.

c.600 - 610

The sub-Roman territory with the proposed name of Caer Celemion is destroyed by the West Seaxe. Their former capital, Silchester, is left devastated.

Ceolwulf, who 'continually fought against the Angles and the Britons' also clears the West Wansdyke of Dumnonians, consolidating the conquests of 577, secures control of the Thames Valley Saxons, cutting them off from their Middil Engle contacts, and invades the Suth Seaxe (in 607).

611 - 642

Cynegils

Baptised 635 by Birinus as Christianity is introduced.

614

Cynegils takes advantage of a momentary weakness in the British Kingdom of Dumnonia and invades the eastern half. Possibly, this incursion weakens the Dorset and Somerset regions so that independent groups of Saxons are able to make inroads over the next generation, becoming the Dormsaete and Somersaete respectively.

642 - 654

Cenwalh / Kenwalch

652

Cenwalh makes a breakthrough against the Dumnonian defensive lines at the battle of Bradford-upon-Avon. The Dormsaete (Dorset Saxons) who had been slowly pushing against the Dumnonian borders now come under West Seaxe control.

654 - 658

Cenwalh is forced into exile by Penda following a squabble. Mercia controls Wessex.

658 - 672

Cenwalh

Restored.

658

The kingdom of Dumnonia is defeated at the battle of Peonna (Penselwood - the densely forested area on the eastern boundary of Somerset). The eastern half is permanently captured by the West Seaxe as they advance through the Polden Hills to the River Parrett (approximately 30 miles further west). The Brito-Welsh territory of Glastenning (in modern Somerset) is probably taken at the same time. The Somersaete (Somerset Saxons) also now come under West Seaxe control (if they didn't already after 652).

672 - 674

Queen Seaxburh

Wife of Cenwalh, probably ruled after his death.

674

Cenfus

674 - 676

Aescwine / Escuin

Son. A West Seaxe nobleman who seized Seaxburh's throne.

675

Aescwine fights the battle of Biedanheafde (later Bedwyn, possibly Crofton but the actual location is debatable) against Wulfhere of Mercia. Aescwine repels the Mercians but is unable to gain any advantage from it.

The renowned West Saxon missionary to Continental Europe, St Boniface, is born just outside Crediton (in Devon) around this date, and later receives an English education in a monastery at Exeter, which is conquered by the West Seaxe in around 685.

676 - 685

Centwine

681 - 685

The remaining Dumnonian Somerset territory is conquered by Centwine as he clears the western coastal area of Somerset as far as the Devon border. In a two pronged attacked the territory of the Defnas (Dumnonia / Devon) Britons is also taken by an army army pressing along the English Channel coast from Dorset to Exeter.

685 - 687

Caedwalla

A British name. Ravaged Kent. Died 20th April 688 in Rome.

686

Much of the Suthrig (Surrey) Saxon territory falls. A sub-king is placed on the throne of Kent. The Wihtware are brought under direct control. The South Seaxe are also under the dominance of the West Seaxe.

687 - 726

Ini / Ina / Ine

Died 728 in Rome.

687 - 710

Ini establishes forts or palaces at Taunton, Somerton and South Petherton to secure the eastern Dumnonian conquests. The way and extent to which the conquered Britons survived under the Saxons is a debatable matter. However, King Ina's laws make provision for Britons. In 710 he defeats Gerren of Dumnonia.

726

By this time, the West Saxons control all the territory south of the Thames, from the borders of Kent and Suthrig to the Tamar. However, in this year, the South Saxons appear to reassert their independence.

726 - 740

Aethelheard

740 - 756

Cuthred

756 - 757

Sigeberht / Sigebryht

757 - 786

Cynewulf

786 - 802

Beorhtric / Brihtric

Of Mercian descent.

802

From this point forwards, Wessex is the most powerful English kingdom, always dominant over the others. British Dumnonia (the West Welsh) is also effectively destroyed by Egbert at this point.

802 - 839

Egbert

Bretwalda. Spent time in exile at the court of Charlemagne.

825

Egbert defeats the mighty Mercians at the Battle of Ellandon. He invades Kent and expels King Baldred. Egbert's son, Aethulwulf, is installed as king of Kent. The sub-kingdoms of Essex, Sussex and Suthrige submit to Egbert. The men of Cornish Dumnonia clash with the Saxons of Devon at the Battle of Galford. This is the first written record of the county of Devon in the Saxon form of the name.

839 - 856

Aethulwulf

Son. Bretwalda. Abdicated (d.858) m Judith, dau of Frankish king.

856 - 860

Aethelbald

Son. Bretwalda. m his stepmother, Judith. Marriage annulled.

860 - 866

Aethelbert

Brother. Bretwalda.

866 - 871

Aethelred I

Brother. Bretwalda.

871 - 899

Alfred the Great

Brother. Bretwalda.

874

The Danes overcome much of England, including half of Mercia, and Wessex is virtually the only independent survivor.

878

Wessex faces its lowest point as the Vikings under Guthrum appear to secure control of it after sweeping across the kingdom from their captured base at Chippenham. Alfred, however, survives with the core of his army in the marshes of Athelney ('island of the princes'), where he builds a strong fort. Alfred is able to use his underground network of contacts to muster his army and strike a decisive victory at Edington.

Guthrum retreats to his stronghold, where he is besieged by Alfred and surrenders after fourteen days. Under the terms of the Peace of Wedmore, Guthrum accepts Christianity and is baptised by Alfred's hand. Guthrum returns to the Danelaw, where he rules what had been East Anglia, Essex, and eastern Mercia.

879

Following the death of Ceolwulf II of Mercia, Alfred shows just how much greater his influence over the Mercians now is when he places his son-in-law on what remains of the throne of Mercia. Although Aethelred holds a king's sway he is known as the 'Lord of Mercia'.

883

There is some evidence of a siege of London by Alfred, and it seems that, by 886 at the latest, he secures the town. Earldorman Aethelred of English Mercia (Alfred's son-in-law) is entrusted with control of it and 'Lundenburg' is immediately repaired, fortified, and repopulated.

886

Formal recognition is made of the Danish and Anglo-Saxon spheres of control (the Danelaw, and Wessex, which incorporates half of Mercia, south and west of Watling Street.

899 - 924

Edward the Elder

Son. Died 17 July.

914 (916)

Edward the Elder receives the submission of the Danish Jarl Thurketel of Bedford. (The Peterborough Chronicle, dealing with local territory, is regarded as more accurate than the ASC. Peterborough dates are in red.)

915 (917)

Edward advances to the Danish held fortress of Bedford, taking direct control. Although Jarl Thurketel had offered submission in 914 (917), Edward wants to ensure his control is made effective in practice.

916 (917)

Thurketel is allowed by Edward to leave England for the continent.

917 (918)

The Vikings organise a counter-offensive consisting of three separate strikes: a) an army from Northampton, Leicester and the North attacks the new ‘Burh’ at Towcester (from 24 July to 1 August); b) an army from Huntingdon and part of East Anglia under the Danish king, with Jarl Toglos and his son Jarl Manna, advances to Tempsford, where they construct a new fortress from which they launch an attempt to recover Bedford; and c) an army from East Anglia attempts to seize the new ‘Burh’ of Wigingamere in Essex.

The failure to apply a concentrated force means that the Danes are defeated on all three fronts. They lose a large number of men - particularly at Bedford, where a sortie organised by the besieged English garrison inflicts a severe defeat upon them and puts their army to flight. A local account recalls how the townswomen are instrumental in swaying things their way, when they rush out and attack the Viking force. Later that year (the following year), Edward attacks Tempsford and inflicts a heavy defeat upon the Vikings, killing their king, Guthrum II, together with Jarls Toglos and Manna.

Edward becomes overlord of East Anglia, and by default overlord of its dependent territory of the East Saxons and the eastern half of Mercia.

924

Ælfwearde

Second son. Reigned for 16 days.

The Kingdom United

While not generally recognised as being the first king of all England, Athelstan was actually the recognised king or overlord of not only all of England, but of the principalities of Wales and all of Scotland too. It was he who united the remaining fragments of the country, including the Danish territories, he conquered the remnants of Dumnonia, and initiated the idea of the Anglo-Saxon Empire. Only the fact that the Scandinavian Kingdom of York regained independence after his death prevented him from winning the title of first King of England.

(Additional information by Mick Baker.)

924 - 939

Athelstan

First son of Edward. United all English & Danish under one ruler.

924

Athelstan ascends the throne of Mercia in 924 on the death of his father, and sixteen days later gains the throne of Wessex as well, following the premature death of his half-brother, Ælfwearde.

924 - 933

Edwin

Third son of Edward. Sub-king. Drowned.

927

Athelstan meets with several northern kings at the convention of Eamont (near Penrith) and later meets with the Welsh monarchs. All accept him as their overlord. Once he takes British Cornwall and the remnants of Dumnonia, and ousts the Danish king of York, all in the same year, he is well and truly King of England.

928

The West Saxon kings are titled 'Emperors of Britain'. The country reaches its apogee under the Anglo-Saxons, being one of the wealthiest, most learned, and strongest in all of Europe.

939 - 946

Edmund I

Fourth son of Edward, aged 18.

939

The Scandinavian Kingdom of York (comprising of York and the Five Burroughs) breaks away from southern English control, as the eighteen year-old half-brother of Athelstan gets an early taste of kingship, for which he is not quite ready. A fifteen year battle for supremacy begins.

946 - 954

Eadred

Fifth son of Edward.

954

Eadred becomes first recognised King of England when the Scandinavian Kingdom of York falls to him.