Battle of Cirencester facts for kids

The Battle of Cirencester was an important fight in early English history. It happened in the year 628 in a place called Cirencester, which is in England today. This battle was between two powerful groups: the Mercians and the Gewisse.

The Battle of Cirencester

The Battle of Cirencester took place in 628 AD. It was fought in the town of Cirencester, which is now part of modern-day England. This battle was a big event in the early history of England.

Who Fought in the Battle?

Two main groups fought in this battle. One group was the Mercians. They were led by their strong king, Penda. The other group was the Gewisse. These people were the ancestors of the West Saxons, who later became very famous. The Gewisse were led by their kings, Cynegils and Cwichelm.

What Happened at Cirencester?

The Mercians, led by King Penda, won the battle. They defeated the Gewisse. After the fight, the two sides made an agreement. A historian named Bede wrote about this event.

Why Was This Battle Important?

Because the Mercians won, they gained control of a key area. This area was the Severn valley. They also took over a smaller kingdom called the Hwicce. The Hwicce had been under the control of the Gewisse since another battle in 577, called the Battle of Dyrham. This victory helped Mercia become a very powerful kingdom in England.