Cynric of Wessex facts for kids

Cynric was an early King of the Gewisse, a group of people who later became known as the West Saxons. He ruled the kingdom of Wessex from about 534 to 560 AD. Cynric played an important role in the early history of what would become England.

Cynric: A Warrior King

Cynric was the son of Cerdic, another important leader. Most of what we know about Cynric and Cerdic comes from an old book called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This book tells us about the history of the Anglo-Saxons.

According to the Chronicle, Cerdic and Cynric arrived in Britain around 495 AD. They landed at a place called Cerdices ora. On the very same day, they fought against the Britons, who were the native people of Britain.

Building the Kingdom of Wessex

Cynric and Cerdic continued to fight and expand their territory. In 519 AD, they won another battle against the Britons at Cerdices ford. After this victory, they took control of the area that would become the kingdom of Wessex.

They fought more battles, like one in 527 AD at Cerdices leaga. In 530 AD, they even conquered the Isle of Wight. These victories helped them build and secure their new kingdom.

Cynric's Reign as King

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says that Cerdic died in 534 AD. After his father's death, Cynric became king. He ruled Wessex for 26 years.

As king, Cynric led his people in two more big battles. Both battles happened in or near Wiltshire. The first was in 552 AD at a place called Searoburh. The second major battle was at Beranburh (which is now known as Barbury Castle) in 556 AD. In this last battle, Cynric's son, Ceawlin, fought alongside him. This shows that his son was learning to be a leader too.

Cynric's reign ended in 560 AD. His son, Ceawlin, then became the new king of Wessex.

Cynric's Family

Cynric had at least two sons:

• Ceawlin, who became king after him and died around 593 AD.
• Ceolwulf, who did not become king.

See also

In Spanish: Cynric de Wessex para niños