Oshere of Hwicce facts for kids

Oshere was a king of the Hwicce (pronounced "HWIK-see") people. The Hwicce were an Anglo-Saxon tribe who lived in what is now Gloucestershire and Worcestershire in England. Oshere was active in the 690s.

He was part of the royal family of Northumbria. Oshere ruled as a sub-king, meaning he was under the authority of a more powerful king, Æthelred, who was king of Mercia.

Oshere's Family Connections

Historians have worked to understand Oshere's family. They believe he was related to other important people of the Hwicce. These include Osric, who was also a king of the Hwicce, and Oswald, who started Pershore Abbey.

One idea is that Oshere was the brother of both Osric and Oswald. Another idea suggests that Oshere was Oswald's son. If Oshere was indeed the brother of Osric and Oswald, it would mean he was also the nephew of Queen Osthryth. She was the wife of King Æthelred of Mercia.

Oshere had at least two sisters:

• Ecgburg: She was the second abbess (leader of a monastery for women) of Gloucester.
• Wethburg: She was a nun.

We know about them from a letter Ecgburg wrote around 716. In the letter, she talked about her brother's death and her sister's long absence. She mentioned that Wethburg was living as a recluse (someone who lives alone for religious reasons) in Rome. Wethburg later wrote back, warning about the dangers of traveling to Rome because of attacks.

It's also possible Oshere had a third sister named Kyneburga. She was the first abbess of Gloucester.

Oshere's sons have been identified as Æthelheard, Æthelward, and Æthelric.

Oshere's Education

We don't know much about Oshere's education. However, his sister Ecgburg was very well-educated. This suggests that Oshere probably received a good education too.

Ecgburg's letter shows she was very smart and well-read. She knew about the writings of ancient Greece and Rome. Her writing style was even compared to famous scholars like Jerome.

Ecgburg said that a person named Boniface was her teacher. She also mentioned the "affection" Boniface had for her brother. This suggests that Oshere might have studied with Boniface as well. Ecgburg even stated that she was "inferior" to her brother in "knowledge and in merit." This means she believed Oshere was even smarter and more accomplished than she was.

Land Grants by Oshere

Oshere made official documents called charters to grant land. These documents were like legal papers that gave ownership of land to others.

In 693, Oshere and his son Æthelheard granted land to Cuthswith. She was the abbess of Bath. She may have been related to the royal families of Mercia or the Hwicce.

Cuthswith received 15 hides of land at Penintanham (which is thought to be Inkberrow in Worcestershire) and at Dyllawidu. A "hide" was a unit of land size in Anglo-Saxon times. This land was given to start a monastery. The monastery must have done well, because Cuthswith later added 5 more hides of land nearby.

Between 674 and 704, Oshere also granted 21 hides of land at Withington (now in Gloucestershire). This land was given to Abbess Dunna to start another monastery.

Oshere's Death

Ecgburg's letter, written around 716, talks about Oshere's death. She described his death as "cruel and bitter." Because of this, some historians think he might have died in battle.