Cuthred of Wessex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cuthred |
|
|---|---|
| King of Wessex | |
| Reign | 740–756 |
| Predecessor | Athelheard |
| Successor | Sigeberht |
| Died | 756 |
| House | House of Wessex |
Cuthred was a powerful West Saxon nobleman who became King of Wessex in 740. He ruled until 756. During his time as king, Cuthred worked hard to make Wessex strong again. He helped Wessex get back much of the land and power it had lost.
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Becoming King of Wessex
When King Athelheard died, Cuthred became the new king. Before Cuthred, King Athelheard had lost a lot of Wessex's land to King Aethelbald of Mercia. King Aethelbald was very powerful and acted as an overlord (a ruler who has power over other kings) to Wessex.
Cuthred wanted everyone to know he was a strong leader. He did not want King Aethelbald to control Wessex. For the first three years of his rule, Cuthred fought against Mercia.
Alliances and Challenges
In 743, Cuthred joined King Aethelbald to fight against the Welsh. This seemed like a friendly partnership between the two kings. However, their friendship did not last long.
In 748, Cuthred's own son, Cynric, tried to take his father's place as king. This was a rebellion, and Cynric died during it. Some stories say that King Aethelbald of Mercia encouraged this rebellion.
Two years later, in 750, Cuthred had to stop another rebellion. This time, it was led by Athelhun, one of his trusted helpers. In a long battle, Athelhun had fewer soldiers but was winning. However, he was badly hurt, and Cuthred was able to win.
The Battle for Independence
In 752, Cuthred decided to try again to free Wessex from King Aethelbald's control. This led to a big battle at a place called Burford. Cuthred, with the help of Athelhun (who was now loyal to him), faced King Aethelbald and his army.
The battle was fierce, but in the end, King Aethelbald ran away from the battlefield. This was a huge victory for Cuthred. From that day on, Wessex stayed independent from Mercia for the rest of Cuthred's rule.
Cuthred died in 756. He left Wessex much stronger and free from Mercian control. After his death, Sigeberht became the new king.
Family
We do not know the name of Cuthred's wife. He had one son:
- Cynric, who died in 746 during a rebellion.
See also
In Spanish: Cuthred de Wessex para niños
