Æthelweard of Hwicce facts for kids

Æðelweard was an important ruler in a kingdom called Hwicce. He lived a long time ago, in the 7th and 8th centuries. He ruled alongside his presumed brothers, Æthelheard, Æthelberht, and Æthelric. Their father was Oshere, who was also a king of Hwicce.

What We Know About Æðelweard

We learn about Æðelweard from special old documents called charters. Charters were like official papers or agreements from long ago. They recorded things like land deals or important decisions made by kings.

Working with His Brothers

• In the year 692, Æðelweard and his brother Æthelheard signed a charter. This document was for a religious leader named Abbess Cuthswith.
• In the same year, he also witnessed a charter from Æthelred, who was the King of Mercia. His brothers Æthelheard, Æthelberht, and Æthelric were also present.
• A year later, in 693, all four brothers witnessed another important charter. This one was issued by their own father, King Oshere. This shows they worked together as a family.

Granting Land

• In 706, Æðelweard made another important decision. He gave some land to a religious leader named Bishop Ecgwine.
• In this document, Æðelweard was called subregulus. This means he was like an "under-king" or a ruler who was under a greater king.
• The charter also said he was "Osheri quondam regis Wicciorum filius." This means "son of Oshere, formerly King of the Hwicce."

Later Records

• It is possible that Æðelweard is also the person called Æþeluuard dux. A dux was a leader or duke.
• This Æþeluuard witnessed a charter in 716 or 717. This charter was issued by Æthelbald, who was the King of Mercia.

See also

• Hwicce