Cyneheard the Ætheling facts for kids

Cyneheard the Atheling (died 786) was the brother of Sigeberht, who was briefly the King of Wessex. Sigeberht was removed from power in 757 with the agreement of the Witan, a council of wise men. After Sigeberht, Cynewulf of Wessex became the new King.

Who Was Cyneheard?

Cyneheard was a royal prince, known as an atheling, which meant he was a member of the royal family and could potentially become king. His brother, Sigeberht, was king for a short time before being replaced by Cynewulf. This change in leadership set the stage for a dramatic conflict later on.

A Royal Challenge

In 786, King Cynewulf decided he wanted to remove Cyneheard from the kingdom. This suggests there might have been a rivalry or a threat to Cynewulf's rule from Cyneheard.

The Attack at Merantune

King Cynewulf traveled to a lady's home in a place called 'Merantune'. He didn't bring many guards with him. Cyneheard and his men found out where the king was and surrounded him. King Cynewulf fought bravely and even wounded Cyneheard before he was killed.

A Story of Loyalty

What happened next is a famous story about loyalty, told in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. It might even be a traditional tale passed down through generations.

After King Cynewulf was killed, Cyneheard offered Cynewulf's remaining men safety and rewards if they joined him. But none of them would accept. They kept fighting against Cyneheard's men until they were all killed, except for one hostage who was badly hurt.

The next morning, King Cynewulf's loyal warriors, called thanes, arrived. They included Osric, an important leader, and Wiverth, another thane. They found Cyneheard and his men at the place where the king had died.

Cyneheard had locked the gates, but the king's men tried to break in. Cyneheard offered them money and land if they would make him king. He even reminded them that some of their relatives were already with him and would support him.

But the loyal thanes refused. They said that no relative was more important than their lord, the king. They would never follow the person who killed him. They even asked their relatives who were with Cyneheard to leave safely. Those relatives replied that they were as ready to die as their friends who had been killed with the king.

So, the king's loyal men kept fighting at the gates until they broke through. They then killed Cyneheard and all his men. Only one person was spared: the godson of Osric, the leader, even though he was wounded many times.

Where Did It Happen?

Historians today believe that King Cynewulf was killed at Marten, a small village in Wiltshire. However, some also think it might have happened at Merton in Surrey.

His Final Resting Place

Cyneheard is buried at Axminster Monastery.