Cynric facts for kids

Cynric was a King of Wessex from 534 to 560. Wessex was an important early English kingdom. Most of what we know about Cynric comes from an old book called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This book says he was the son of Cerdic. Cerdic is thought to be the person who started the kingdom of Wessex.

However, other old writings tell a slightly different story. Some say Cynric was actually the son of Cerdic's son, Creoda. This shows that the exact family tree of these early kings can be a bit unclear.

Early History and Conquest

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says that Cerdic and Cynric arrived in Britain in 495. They supposedly landed near Southampton with five ships. At first, they were described as important leaders, or "aldormen." An aldorman was a high-ranking official or noble.

They didn't become kings right away. The chronicle suggests they only took control of the Gewissae in 519. The Gewissae were the people who later became known as the West Saxons. This means Cynric and his father likely became kings after they conquered the main areas of what would become Wessex.

Cynric's Time as King

During Cynric's rule, the Saxons expanded their lands. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records important events from his reign:

• In 552, the Saxons moved into Wiltshire. They faced strong resistance but managed to capture a place called Searobyrig. This place is now known as Old Sarum, near Salisbury.
• In 556, Cynric and his son, Ceawlin, won a big battle. They fought against the Britons at a place called Beranburh. Today, this is believed to be Barbury Castle.

Historians have looked closely at these dates. Some believe that the earlier dates in the Chronicle, like Cynric's arrival in 495, might not be perfectly accurate. For example, some historians suggest Cynric's true time as king might have been from 554 to 581. It's also possible that the exact relationship between Cynric and his son Ceawlin was made clearer later on. This would have helped to make the royal family line of Wessex seem more official.

What His Name Means

The name Cynric comes from Old English. It means "Kin-ruler," which makes sense for a king. However, some experts think that the names of other early Wessex kings, like Cerdic and Ceawlin, might have come from Common Brittonic. This was an old Celtic language. Because of this, some people wonder if Cynric's name might also have a Celtic origin. They suggest it could come from "Cunorix," which means "Hound-king." This name later changed into "Cinir" in Old Welsh.

See also

In Spanish: Cynric de Wessex para niños

• House of Wessex family tree