Burgred of Mercia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Burgred |
|
|---|---|
Coin issued during Burgred's reign
|
|
| King of Mercia | |
| Reign | 852–874 |
| Predecessor | Beorhtwulf |
| Successor | Ceolwulf II |
| Died | 888 Rome |
| Burial | Santo Spirito in Sassia |
| Spouse | |
| Issue |
|
| House | House of Mercia |
| Father | Beorhtwulf |
Burgred was an Anglo-Saxon king who ruled the kingdom of Mercia from 852 to 874. Mercia was a powerful kingdom in what is now central England. He was one of the last independent kings of Mercia before the Vikings took over much of England.
Contents
Who Was King Burgred?
Burgred became king of Mercia in 852. Some historians think he might have been related to the previous king, Beorhtwulf. To make his kingdom stronger, Burgred formed an important alliance.
His Family and Marriage
In 853, Burgred married Æthelswith. She was the daughter of Æthelwulf, who was the king of the West Saxons. This marriage was a big event. It took place at a royal estate called Chippenham in Wessex. This alliance helped Mercia and Wessex work together.
Facing Challenges as King
Soon after his marriage, Burgred faced a challenge. In 853, people in Wales, who lived west of Mercia, rebelled against his rule. Burgred asked his father-in-law, King Æthelwulf of Wessex, for help.
King Æthelwulf quickly joined Burgred. Together, their armies marched against the Welsh. They successfully stopped the rebellion, showing the strength of their alliance.
The Arrival of the Great Heathen Army
About twelve years after his success against the Welsh, a huge Viking force arrived in England. This army was known as the Great Heathen Army. They had already attacked other parts of England, like East Anglia and Northumbria.
In 867, the Vikings moved into Mercia and reached the town of Nottingham. Burgred knew he needed help. He asked his brothers-in-law, King Æthelred of Wessex and Alfred, for assistance.
The armies of Wessex and Mercia gathered. However, there wasn't a major battle. Instead, Burgred chose to pay the Vikings a large sum of money. This payment convinced the invaders to leave Mercia for a while.
The End of His Reign
The peace didn't last forever. In 874, the Vikings returned. They marched from Lindsey to Repton, a very important place in Mercia. This time, their attack was too strong. The Vikings drove King Burgred out of his kingdom.
Life After the Throne
After losing his kingdom, Burgred left England. He went to Rome, a city in Italy, where he lived out the rest of his life. He died in Rome in 888.
According to old records, Burgred was buried in a church in Rome. This church was called "Sancta Maria, in the school of the English nation". Today, this church is known as Santo Spirito in Sassia.
Coins from Burgred's time are still found today. These coins help us learn about his reign and the economy of Mercia. In 1998, a collection of Burgred's coins was discovered near Banbury Castle.
See also
- Kings of Mercia family tree
