Ecgberht II of Kent facts for kids
Ecgberht II was a king who ruled the Kingdom of Kent in England. He shared his rule with another king named Heaberht. We know about Ecgberht II mostly from old coins and official documents called charters. These records show he was active as king between the years 765 and 779.
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How We Know About King Ecgberht II
We learn about King Ecgberht II from two main sources. One source is the coins that were made during his time. These coins often had his name on them. The other source is special written documents called charters.
What are Charters?
Charters were like official papers or agreements back then. They were used to record important decisions, like when land was given away or when laws were made. Some of Ecgberht II's charters were even signed or approved by King Heaberht, showing they worked together.
Ecgberht II's Time as King
Ecgberht II became king around the year 765. This is when his oldest surviving charter was created. However, during this period, another powerful king named Offa was trying to take control of Kent. Offa was the king of Mercia, a very strong kingdom nearby. He tried to rule Kent directly, and some records show him making or approving charters for Kent.
The Battle of Otford
In the year 776, a big battle happened at a place called Otford. This battle is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which is a very old history book from England. The Chronicle does not say who won the battle. However, Kent stayed independent for several years after this fight. This suggests that King Ecgberht II and his Kentish forces were victorious against King Offa.
Ecgberht II continued to rule Kent until at least 779. This is the date of his last known charter.
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