Cuthwulf (son of Cuthwine) facts for kids
Cuthwulf, also known as Cutha, was an important person in the House of Wessex. He lived from about 592 to 648. Cuthwulf was the third son of Cuthwine. Even though he was from a royal family, he never became king. His brothers were Cynebald and Cedda. His son was Ceolwald of Wessex. People sometimes confused Cuthwulf with his father, Cuthwine, because their names were similar. This makes it a bit tricky to know everything about him.
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Cuthwulf's Early Life
Cuthwulf was born around 592. This was a time of big changes for his family. He was the third son of Cuthwine. His family were Saxons who had come from Germany. They were still settling into a land mostly controlled by the Britons.
A King Loses His Throne
In 592, Cuthwulf's grandfather, King Ceawlin, lost his throne. The old records say there was a big battle at a place called Woden's Barrow. This place is now known as Adam's Grave in Wiltshire. Ceawlin was forced out by Ceol, who became the next king of Wessex. Ceol ruled for six years.
Cuthwulf's father, Cuthwine, was a commander in this battle. After the defeat, Cuthwine and his young sons had to run away.
Exile and Survival
The next year, 593, King Ceawlin and his brothers died. It's not clear how, but it was likely in another battle. Cuthwine escaped again. He went into exile with his family towards the east.
Ceol and his brother Ceolwulf tried to get rid of the original royal family. But they didn't succeed. Cuthwine and his family stayed safe during this time.
Divided Kingdom
Ceol was a cousin of Cuthwine. After Ceol, his brother Ceolwulf ruled for seventeen years. During this time, the West Saxons were divided. Ceol and Ceolwulf controlled Wiltshire. Cuthwine and his family were likely based in the upper Thames valley.
Cuthwulf had two older brothers: Cynebald, born in 585, and Cedda, born in 590. We don't know who their mother was. She might have died when Cuthwine fled into exile.
Cuthwulf's Later Life
We don't know many details about Cuthwulf's life in exile. He and his brothers stayed powerful. This was true during the rule of King Cynegils and then King Cenwalh.
A King in Exile
In 645, King Cenwalh was sent away by Penda of Mercia. Penda ruled Wessex for three years. Cuthwulf was at the talks about this. Some old writings say it was Cuthwine, his father, who was there.
It's possible Cuthwulf helped rule Wessex while Cenwalh was away. He might have also helped Cenwalh get his throne back in 648.
A Legendary Figure
After this, Cuthwulf is not mentioned much. He became a bit of a legend among the people. This was because he had stood against Ceol and his family for so long.
Cuthwulf probably died during Cenwalh's second time as king. He would have been very old when Cenwalh died in 672. There are no records of him after that time. He likely didn't live to see his family line return to the throne of Wessex.
Lasting Legacy
Even though he was a mysterious figure, Cuthwulf and his family were not forgotten. Later, Caedwalla of Wessex and then Ine of Wessex became kings. Caedwalla was Cuthwulf's great-nephew, and Ine was his grandson. Cuthwulf helped make sure the royal family line continued.
Family and Move to Devon
Around 620, Cuthwulf's family home in the upper Thames valley became too crowded. Cuthwulf, as the youngest brother, likely had to move. He later settled in what is now east Devon. This area was on the edge of Wessex. It was often in conflict with Dumnonia.
Conflict with Dumnonia
Dumnonia was a Celtic tribe. They lived in Cornwall, but their land was much bigger back then. It included most of what is now Devon. Wessex was expanding west, so they often fought with Dumnonia.
The Britons in Dumnonia were cut off from their allies in Wales. This happened after a battle in 577. But travel by sea was easier, so it might not have been a big problem.
The Battle of Beandun
Clemen ap Bledric was likely the king of Dumnonia when a battle happened in 614. This was the Battle of Beandun, possibly near Axmouth in east Devon. The battle suggests the Dumnonian army was invading Wessex. They were using a Roman road from Exeter to Dorchester. A West Saxon army stopped them.
Some old texts say the Britons still held Exeter in 632. They bravely defended it against Penda of Mercia. Then Cadwallon helped them. He defeated Penda's army.
Why Cuthwulf Moved
All this information suggests that the border between Wessex and Dumnonia was in east Devon. This is where Cuthwulf was based. It seems Cuthwulf might have been forced to move to the edge of the kingdom. Perhaps his brothers didn't want him in their lands. Or maybe the king, Cynegils, sent him there. Some even think he was sent there hoping the Dumnonians would kill him.
The exact date of his move is not clear. If it was before 614, Cuthwulf might have been the West Saxon commander at the Battle of Beandun. This seems likely.
Marriage and Son
Cuthwulf married a Dumnonian princess named Gwynhafar. She was probably a daughter of Clemen ap Bledric. This marriage was likely part of a temporary alliance between the two groups. They only had one son, Ceolwald of Wessex.
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