Æthelwealh of Sussex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Æthelwealh |
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Imaginary depiction of Æthelwealh from John Speed's 1611 "Saxon Heptarchy"
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| King of Sussex | |
| Reign | fl. c. 660 – c. 685 |
| Predecessor | Cissa |
| Successor | ?Eadric |
| Died | 685 |
| Spouse | Eafe |
Æthelwealh was an important king of the ancient South Saxon kingdom. He ruled from around 660 until his death between 680 and 685. He made history by becoming the first Christian king of Sussex. Sadly, he was killed by a powerful West Saxon prince named Cædwalla, who later became king of Wessex.
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Sussex: A Look Back
The kingdom of Sussex was founded a long time ago, in 477. According to an old book called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Ælle of Sussex and his three sons landed at a place called Cymenshore. They fought against the local Britons, who were the people already living there.
Most experts today are a bit unsure about this exact founding story. But we do know from old burial sites that the first main settlements were in East Sussex. These were between the River Ouse and River Cuckmere. By the time Æthelwealh was king, the South Saxon kingdom was more focused around the Selsey area in the southwest of Sussex.
After Ælle, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says Cissa of Sussex became king. There's a big gap of about 150 years between Ælle and Æthelwealh. We don't know much about Ælle's family, but we know more about Æthelwealh's family history.
Friends with Mercia
Around 661, a powerful kingdom called Mercia was growing stronger. Its king, Wulfhere of Mercia, took control of southern Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Becoming a Christian King
According to a historian named Bede, Æthelwealh traveled to Mercia. There, he was baptized and became a Christian. This made him the very first Christian king of Sussex! King Wulfhere of Mercia even became his godfather.
Bede also wrote that Æthelwealh married a woman named Eafe. She was the daughter of Eanfrith, a ruler of the Christian Hwicce people. As a gift, King Wulfhere gave the Isle of Wight and southern Hampshire to Æthelwealh. This alliance between Sussex and Mercia was a big deal. It challenged the power of the West Saxons, who were strong in the upper Thames area.
Spreading Christianity
In 681, a bishop named Wilfrid came to Sussex. He had been sent away from York. Wilfrid helped teach the people of Sussex and the Isle of Wight about Christianity. King Æthelwealh gave Wilfrid land in Selsey. There, Wilfrid started a church center called Selsey Abbey.
West Saxon Takeover
Cædwalla was a prince from the West Saxon kingdom. He had been sent away by Centwine, who was the king of Wessex. Cædwalla spent his time in the forests and became friends with Bishop Wilfrid. Cædwalla promised Wilfrid that if Wilfrid would guide him spiritually, he would be a loyal follower.
The Battle and Æthelwealh's Death
Stories say that Cædwalla invaded Sussex around 686. King Æthelwealh met him in the South Downs, near the border with Hampshire. In this battle, Æthelwealh was defeated and killed. Tradition says he is buried in a burial mound nearby.
Cædwalla's invasion stopped for a bit after this. Two of Æthelwealh's leaders, Berhthun and Andhun, managed to drive Cædwalla out.
Cædwalla Becomes King
In 687, Cædwalla became King of the West Saxons. He then launched a new invasion of Sussex, and this time he was successful. Bede wrote that Cædwalla treated the South Saxons very harshly.
After his victory, Cædwalla made Bishop Wilfrid his main advisor. When Wilfrid went back north in 686, the church center at Selsey became part of the West Saxon church. This meant that Sussex was now under the control of the West Saxon kings.
Connections with Kent
In the nearby kingdom of Kent, Hlothhere had been king since about 673. But his nephew, Eadric of Kent, rebelled against him. Eadric went to Sussex and got help from King Æthelwealh. With the South Saxon army, Eadric was able to defeat Hlothhere around 685 and become king of Kent.
Some historians suggest that after Æthelwealh's death, Eadric might have also become king of Sussex. However, in 686, a West Saxon army led by Cædwalla and his brother Mul invaded Kent. They removed Eadric from power and made Mul king of Kent instead.
See Also
