Nothhelm of Sussex facts for kids
Noðhelm, also known as Nunna, was a King of Sussex. He seems to have ruled at the same time as other kings like Watt, Osric, and Æðelstan.
Noðhelm's Reign
Noðhelm was an important ruler in Sussex during the early 8th century. We know about him mostly from old documents called charters. These charters were official papers that recorded land grants.
In the year 692, King Noðhelm gave land to his sister, Noðgyð. He wanted her to build a special church called a minster there. In the charter, it says that Noðgyð promised to become a nun for Bishop Wilfrid and go on a religious journey.
This was a time when Christianity was still new in Sussex. Even though Bishop Wilfrid had started converting people earlier, there were still many who followed older beliefs. For example, St Lewinna was killed by pagans around 690. Also, a man named Cuthman started his own mission in Steyning to help convert the people of Sussex.
Noðhelm's last known charter is from 714, though it might have been 717. In this document, he was called Nunna rex Suthsax’. This charter shows that his rule began in or before 692 and ended in or after 717. In this charter, Noðhelm said he wished to be buried at Church Norton.
Battles and Alliances
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentions King Noðhelm fighting alongside his relative, King Ine of Wessex. In 710, they fought against King Geraint of the Britons. Many historians believe this big battle happened at Langport in Somerset. King Geraint of Dumnonia was killed during this fight.
Religious Developments
A major event during Noðhelm's time was the creation of the Diocese of Selsey for the people of Sussex. This likely happened in 705. Before this, Sussex was part of the Winchester area. This change meant Sussex had its own church leader, or bishop.
Around 705, Noðhelm also signed a charter that allowed four hides of land (an old measure of land) at Peppering to be given to a man named Berhfrith. Berhfrith was to build a church at Peppering where people could pray for the king.
Forged Charters
Some old documents that mention Noðhelm are not real. For example, there's a charter that seems to be signed by King Cœnred of Wessex and dated 775. However, experts like Kelly have studied this document carefully. They found that it's a fake, or a "forgery." The dates and the people mentioned in it don't match what we know from other reliable records. This means we cannot use this specific charter to say that Noðhelm ruled until 725. Historians rely on genuine documents to understand the past accurately.
