Cwichelm of Wessex facts for kids

Cwichelm (died around 636) was a powerful ruler of the Gewisse people, who were also known as the West Saxons. He is often called the King of Wessex. He ruled from 626 until his death. Cwichelm was originally a pagan king, meaning he followed older, non-Christian religions. However, he became a Christian shortly before he died.

Cwichelm: King of Wessex

Cwichelm was the son of Cynegils, who was also a King of Wessex. Cwichelm ruled alongside his father. The ancient book called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tells us about their lives. It says that in 614, Cynegils and Cwichelm fought a big battle at a place called Beandun. They won, defeating many Welsh warriors.

Challenges and Conflicts

In 626, a man named Eomer was sent by Cwichelm to try and kill King Eadwine of Northumbria. The plan failed, and Eadwine was only wounded. The next year, King Eadwine sent his army to attack Wessex as punishment.

Another entry in the Chronicle for 628 says that King Cynegils and his son Cwichelm fought against Penda, the King of Mercia, at Cirencester. After the fight, they made an agreement. It seems they gave Cirencester to Penda as part of this agreement.

Becoming a Christian

In 634, a very important person, Pope Honorius I, sent a bishop named Birinus to England. When Birinus arrived in the land of the Gewisse (Wessex), he found that most people were still pagan. He started teaching them about Christianity.

In 635, Cwichelm's father, King Cynegils, was baptized. This means he officially became a Christian. King Oswald of Northumbria was his Godfather, which was a very important role. The next year, in 636, Cwichelm himself was baptized in a town called Dorchester. He died later that same year. Even though Cwichelm died before his father, his brother Cenwalh became king in 643.

Cwichelm's Family

Cwichelm had one known son:

• Cuthred (died 685), who also became a king in Wessex.

See also

• In Spanish: Cwichelm de Wessex para niños