Kingdom of Kent facts for kids
The Kingdom of Kent was an early kingdom in southeast England. It was founded by a group of people called the Jutes. This kingdom was one of the first Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to be established in Britain after the Roman Empire left.
Contents
The Kingdom of Kent
The Kingdom of Kent was a powerful and important kingdom for many years. It played a big role in the early history of England. Kent was known for its trade and for being the first Anglo-Saxon kingdom to accept Christianity.
What Was the Kingdom of Kent?
The Kingdom of Kent was one of several kingdoms that formed in Britain. This happened after the Romans left around the year 410 AD. These kingdoms were often called "Anglo-Saxon" kingdoms. They were set up by groups like the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.
Where Was Kent Located?
The Kingdom of Kent was located in the area we now call Kent. This is in the very southeast part of England. Its location was very important. It was close to mainland Europe, which helped with trade. It also made it a key landing spot for new people arriving in Britain.
Who Were the Jutes?
The Jutes were one of the Germanic tribes. They came from a region in what is now Denmark. They sailed across the North Sea to Britain in the 5th century. The Jutes settled in Kent and formed their own kingdom there. They were different from the Angles and Saxons.
Early History of Kent
The exact start date of the Kingdom of Kent is not fully known. Historians believe it began around the mid-400s AD. The first kings of Kent were said to be brothers named Hengest and Horsa. They are famous figures in old English stories. They were invited to Britain to help fight against invaders.
Famous Kings of Kent
One of the most famous kings of Kent was Æthelberht of Kent. He ruled from about 589 to 616 AD. King Æthelberht was very important for several reasons. He created some of the earliest written laws in England. He also welcomed Augustine of Canterbury to Kent.
Kent and Christianity
The arrival of Augustine of Canterbury in 597 AD was a huge event. He was sent by the Pope to bring Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons. King Æthelberht's wife, Bertha, was already a Christian. This helped Augustine in his mission. King Æthelberht soon became the first Anglo-Saxon king to convert to Christianity. This made Kent a center for the new religion in England.
How Did Kent End?
Over time, the power of the Kingdom of Kent began to fade. It faced challenges from other growing Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Kingdoms like Mercia and Wessex became stronger. Kent eventually lost its independence. It became part of the Kingdom of Wessex in the 9th century. This was a step towards the creation of a unified England.
Images for kids
-
Roman fort wall at Regulbium
-
Hengest and Horsa, from A Restitution of Decayed Intelligence by Richard Verstegan (1605)
-
A putative early illustration of Augustine
See also
In Spanish: Reino de Kent para niños
