Ealdred of Hwicce facts for kids

Ealdred was an important leader in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Hwicce during the late 700s. While Offa, the powerful King of Mercia, called him a "Dux" (which means Duke or leader), Ealdred saw himself as a king. He ruled Hwicce alongside his brothers, Eanberht and Uhtred.

Ealdred's Time as a Ruler

Ealdred and his brothers were active rulers in Hwicce. This was an Anglo-Saxon kingdom located in what is now central England. They worked together to make decisions for their people.

Granting Land

Kings and leaders often gave away land to important people or religious groups. This was a way to show power or gain support.

• In 757, Ealdred, Eanberht, and Uhtred gave land to Bishop Milred. A bishop is a high-ranking church leader.
• Two years later, in 759, they also granted land to Abbot Headda. An abbot is the head of a monastery.

Working with King Offa

King Offa of Mercia was one of the most powerful kings in England at the time. He had a lot of influence over smaller kingdoms like Hwicce.

• In 778, King Offa issued a special document called a charter. In this charter, Ealdred was again called a "Dux" of Hwicce.
• This charter also showed that Ealdred received land from King Offa. This suggests a close, but perhaps unequal, relationship between them.

The End of Hwicce's Independence

It seems that soon after Ealdred passed away around 778, King Offa took full control of Hwicce. This meant Hwicce was no longer an independent kingdom. However, Offa might have allowed some of Ealdred's family members to remain as "Ealdormen." An Ealdorman was a high-ranking official who governed a region for the king.

See also

• Hwicce