Sexred facts for kids
Sexred (also spelled Sexræd) and Sæward were two brothers who ruled together as kings of the East Saxons. They became kings after their father, Sæbert, passed away. The East Saxons were an Anglo-Saxon kingdom in what is now eastern England.
Kings of the East Saxons
Sexred and Sæward became joint kings around the year 616. Their father, Sæbert, had been the first Christian king of the East Saxons. He had converted to Christianity in 604.
A Return to Old Beliefs
Unlike their father, Sexred and Sæward did not want to be Christians. They openly followed the old English religion, which is often called paganism. This meant they worshipped many different gods, not just one. They also allowed their people to worship these traditional gods. They stopped the spread of Christianity in their kingdom.
A Clash of Faiths
There is a famous story about the brothers and Mellitus, who was the bishop of London. The brothers saw Bishop Mellitus giving out "white bread" to people in church. This "white bread" was the eucharist, a special bread used in Christian services.
The kings asked Mellitus, "Why don't you give us the white bread you used to give our father and still give to the people?"
Mellitus replied that they could have it if they were "washed in the font." This meant if they were baptized as Christians. He said it would not help them otherwise.
But the kings said they did not need to be "washed." They said they needed "refreshment." Bishop Mellitus tried to explain, but he kept refusing their request. The kings became angry and forced him to leave their kingdom.
The Final Battle
Not long after banishing Mellitus, Sexred and Sæward went to war. They fought against the West Saxons. The West Saxons were led by their kings, Cynegils and Cwichelm of Wessex.
The West Saxon army was much larger than the East Saxon forces. In a big battle around 626, Sexred and Sæward were killed. Their army was almost completely destroyed.
After their deaths, Sigeberht the Little became the next king of the East Saxons. Some historical records suggest that Sigeberht the Good might have been their direct successor instead.
