Eadric of Kent facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eadric
King of Kent
Reign	685?–686
Died	686 or 687
Father	Ecgberht

Eadric was a king who ruled the Kingdom of Kent for a short time, from about 685 to 686. He was the son of King Ecgberht I. Eadric's story is part of a time when different kingdoms in England often fought for power.

Kent's Royal Family and History

In the 600s, the Kingdom of Kent was usually quite stable. A famous historian named Bede wrote about the kings of Kent.

Kings Before Eadric

King Eadbald ruled Kent until 640. After him, his son Eorcenberht became king. Eorcenberht ruled for over 24 years.

Eorcenberht's sons, Ecgberht and Hlothhere, followed him as kings. Ecgberht ruled from 664 to 673. Hlothhere ruled from 673 to 685.

Important Visitors to Kent

During Ecgberht's time, many important people visited his court. These included religious leaders like Wilfrid and Benedict Biscop. He also helped Archbishop Theodore and Abbot Adrian of Canterbury travel through Gaul (modern-day France).

Was Eadric a Joint Ruler?

After Ecgberht, his brother Hlothhere became the ruler of Kent in 673. Sometimes, Kent was ruled by more than one king at a time.

The Law of Hlothhere and Eadric

Some people think Eadric ruled alongside his uncle Hlothhere. There is a set of rules called the Law of Hlothhere and Eadric. This law code was put out in the names of both Hlothhere and Eadric. However, it might have been two separate law codes that were later combined.

In 679, King Hlothhere gave some land in Thanet to an abbot named Beorhtwald. A document about this land deal mentions that Archbishop Theodore and "Eadric, son of my brother" agreed to it. This suggests that Eadric and his uncle were on good terms at that time.

Eadric Becomes Sole King

Even though they seemed friendly in 679, Eadric later rebelled against his uncle Hlothhere. This happened around 685.

Eadric's Revolt and Victory

Eadric got help from Æthelwealh of Sussex, the king of the South Saxons. He gathered an army from Sussex and fought Hlothhere. Eadric won the battle. Hlothhere died soon after from his injuries. After this, Eadric became the only ruler of Kent.

Eadric was also a nephew of Wulfhere of Mercia, a powerful king. Wulfhere was allied with the South Saxons. So, it made sense for Æthelwealh to support Eadric's takeover against Hlothhere.

Kent is Invaded by Wessex

In 685, a warband from Wessex invaded Sussex. This group was led by the Wessex prince Cædwalla. They killed King Æthelwealh of Sussex.

Cædwalla's Conquests

Cædwalla was later forced out of Sussex by two of Æthelwealh's leaders. A historian named William of Malmesbury wrote that Eadric became king of the South Saxon kingdom for a short time.

Then, in 686, Cædwalla became king of Wessex. He and his brother Mul removed Eadric from power. They made Mul the new king of Kent.

[Cædwalla's] hatred and hostility towards the South Saxons were inextinguishable, and he totally destroyed Edric [Eadric] the successor of Ethelwalch [Æthelwealh] who opposed him with renovated boldness:....he also gained repeated victories over the people of Kent..

When Did Eadric Die?

Historians are not completely sure about the exact date of Eadric's death. Bede mentions his death but does not give a precise date. Some old records from Kent suggest he was buried on August 31, 686. Others say it was August 31, 687.

See also

• List of monarchs of Kent