Seaxburh of Wessex facts for kids

Seaxburh (died around 674) was a powerful queen of Wessex, an important kingdom in early England. She was also known as the Queen of the Gewisse, which was an old name for the people who lived in Wessex.

What makes Seaxburh special is that she ruled Wessex by herself for about one to two years. This happened after her husband, King Cenwalh, passed away in 672. It was very unusual for a woman to rule a kingdom on her own during this time in Anglo-Saxon England. Seaxburh is one of the very few women listed as a ruler in historical records from that period.

Seaxburh's Time as Queen

Seaxburh became queen around 672. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which was a collection of historical records kept by monks, says she ruled for one year. It states, "This year king Kenwalk died, and Sexburga his queen reigned one year after him." This shows how important her rule was considered at the time.

Her reign might have lasted a bit longer than one year. The next king's rule is recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in 674. This suggests she could have been in charge for up to two years.

Different Views on Her Rule

Not all historical accounts agree on Seaxburh's rule. A famous historian named Bede, who wrote about 50 years after Seaxburh, had a different idea. Bede said that after King Cenwalh died, "sub-kings took upon themselves the government of the kingdom." This means Bede thought several smaller rulers shared power, rather than one queen.

Historians today think that Bede might have left out Seaxburh's rule on purpose. He might have thought her marriage to Cenwalh was not proper. This could have made him believe she didn't have a true right to the throne. It's a good example of how different historical sources can tell slightly different stories about the past.

Who Ruled After Seaxburh?

Around 674, Seaxburh was followed by Æscwine. He was a relative of her husband, King Cenwalh.

See also

In Spanish: Seaxburh de Wessex para niños