Oswine of Kent facts for kids
Oswine was a king of Kent, an old kingdom in what is now England. He ruled together with two other kings, Swæfberht and Swæfheard. We know about Oswine mostly from old official papers called charters. These papers show he was part of the royal family of Kent. One charter from 690 suggests he was related to an earlier king, Eormenred. Another paper shows Oswine was thankful to be back ruling the kingdom of his ancestors.
Kent's Troubles Before Oswine
After King Eadric of Kent died, the kingdom of Kent faced many problems. Another king, Cædwalla of Wessex, attacked Kent in 686. He made his brother, Mul of Kent, the new king. But Mul was killed in an uprising just one year later.
Cædwalla attacked Kent again, causing a lot of damage and leaving it in chaos. He might have ruled Kent directly for a short time after this second invasion. However, Cædwalla gave up his throne in 688. He then went on a special journey to Rome. This was possibly because he was very ill from injuries he got while fighting.
What We Know from Old Documents
Oswine belonged to the royal family of Kent. Some historians believe he was the grandson of Eormenred of Kent. He might have been the son of Æthelred of East Kent. An old document from January 690 shows that Oswine was closely related to a powerful abbess named Æbba. She was the head of a religious house in Minster-in-Thanet.
This document also tells us that Oswine had the support of Æthelred of Mercia, another important king. Oswine seems to have ruled Kent together with Swæfheard. Swæfheard was the son of Sæbbi of Essex. It is thought that Oswine was in charge of the eastern part of Kent.
In July 689, King Oswine of Kent gave some land to St Peter's Minster. This land was near a royal village called Lyminge, Kent. The gift was made to Abbot Hadrian, who was in charge of the minster.
See also
- List of monarchs of Kent
- Chronology of Kentish Kings
