Eadburh facts for kids

Eadburh (also spelled Eadburg) was a princess from the ancient kingdom of Mercia. She was the daughter of King Offa of Mercia and Queen Cynethryth. Eadburh became the wife of King Beorhtric of Wessex. Historical accounts suggest that her actions led to the death of her husband and another person. After this, she left England and went to a place called Francia. There, she was offered a special role in a religious community, but she later lost this position. She spent her final years in the city of Pavia.

Early Life and Family Connections

Eadburh was born into a powerful royal family. Her father, King Offa, was one of the most important kings in England during her time. Her mother was Queen Cynethryth. Eadburh had four sisters, and all five children were mentioned in important royal documents from 787.

Becoming Queen of Wessex

Eadburh married Beorhtric, who was the king of Wessex, in 789. This marriage was very important because it helped King Beorhtric gain strong support from Eadburh's powerful father, King Offa.

As queen, Eadburh became very influential. She was known for being very strong-willed. Some historical stories say that she often wanted people who were against her to be removed from the kingdom. In 802, it is believed that her actions caused the death of her husband, King Beorhtric, and another young man. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, an old historical record, mentions the deaths of both men around the time that Egbert became the new king of Wessex.

Life in Exile

After these events, Eadburh left England and traveled to Francia, which is now part of France. She found safety at the court of Charlemagne, a very famous and powerful emperor. Interestingly, Egbert of Wessex, who became the next king of Wessex, had also been staying at Charlemagne's court after being sent away by King Beorhtric.

Stories say that Charlemagne was impressed by Eadburh. He offered her a choice: she could marry him or one of his sons. Eadburh chose his son, thinking he was younger. Charlemagne then famously told her that if she had chosen him, she would have had both of them, but since she chose his son, she would have neither. Instead, he offered her a position as the leader of a religious community, which she accepted.

However, Eadburh was later asked to leave this community by Charlemagne himself. She ended up living in the city of Pavia, where she faced difficult times.

Impact on Future Queens

Historical records from 801 show Eadburh being called regina, which means 'queen'. This title was not often used for kings' wives in Wessex during that time. Some historians believe that the difficulties Eadburh faced might have led to this change.

It is said that because of the issues surrounding Eadburh, the role and power of queens in Wessex changed. For a while, kings' wives were called 'king's wife' instead of 'queen', and they were not allowed to sit next to the king on the throne. This tradition changed later when Charles the Bald insisted that his daughter, Judith, be properly crowned queen when she married King Æthelwulf.