Ecgberht of Kent facts for kids
Ecgberht I (also spelled Egbert) was a King of Kent from 664 to 673. He became king after his father, Eorcenberht, passed away. Ecgberht I died on July 4, 673.
When he became king, Ecgberht might have been quite young. His mother, Seaxburh, acted as his regent. A regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is too young or unable to rule themselves.
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King Ecgberht's Reign
Important Connections
King Ecgberht's royal court was a busy place with many important visitors. He had strong connections with other leaders and church officials. He welcomed important church leaders like Wilfrid and Benedict Biscop. He also helped Archbishop Theodore and Abbot Adrian of Canterbury travel safely through a region called Gaul (which is now mostly France). These connections show that Ecgberht was an important figure in his time.
Family Challenges and Legacy
Stories from the past, known as the Kentish Royal Legend, talk about some family challenges during Ecgberht's rule. These stories suggest there was a power struggle within the royal family. To make peace, Ecgberht had to pay a special payment called Weregild to his cousins' sister, Domne Eafe. This payment allowed her to build a Monastery on the Isle of Thanet. This monastery became a very important religious place. The two princes involved in these stories were later honored as saints.
Supporting Monasteries
King Ecgberht was known for supporting religious places. A special document from his time shows that he helped the monastery at Chertsey Abbey in Surrey. This shows his dedication to the church and its work.
Who Came After Ecgberht?
After Ecgberht I passed away, his brother, Hlothhere, became the next King of Kent. Later, Ecgberht's own sons, Eadric and then Wihtred, also became kings.
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