Osric of Hwicce facts for kids
Osric was an important figure in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of the Hwicce during the late 7th century. He was a king, and he might have ruled alongside his brother, Oshere.
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Osric's Family Background
Osric was likely the son of Eanhere, who was also a King of the Hwicce before him. His mother was Osthryth, who was the daughter of Oswiu of Northumbria, a powerful king.
Osthryth later married Æthelred of Mercia, another king. This means Osric and his brother Oswald were probably Æthelred's stepsons. This family connection was very important in Anglo-Saxon times.
Founding Monasteries
Osric is known for helping to start two important religious places. These were monasteries, which were homes for monks or nuns.
Bath Abbey's Beginnings
In the year 676, Osric gave land to Abbess Bertana. This land was in Bath, and it was used to build a convent, which is a place for nuns. Today, this site is known as Bath Abbey. Records show that Osric was called the "king of the Hwicce" when he made this gift.
Gloucester Abbey's Creation
Osric also played a key role in starting a monastery in Gloucester. This monastery later became Gloucester Cathedral.
Around the 670s, King Æthelred of Mercia gave land in Gloucester and Pershore to Osric and his brother Oswald. Osric received the land in Gloucester. He then asked King Æthelred for permission to build a monastery there.
The story says that Osric gave the land for the abbey to his sister, Kyneburge. She became the first leader, or abbess, of the monastery. However, some historians think that this Kyneburge might have been Osric's great-aunt, not his sister. She was the widow of Oswald of Northumbria, a famous king.
Osric's Burial Place
Osric was buried at Gloucester Abbey, the monastery he helped found. He was buried next to Kyneburh. Today, his remains are in a special tomb inside Gloucester Cathedral.
Osric's brother, Oshere, likely continued to rule after him. It is also thought that Osric might have had a son named Æthelmod.
