Æscwine of Essex facts for kids
Æscwine (also spelled Erkenwine or Erchenwine) is known as the first king of Essex. He is listed in old family trees of Anglo-Saxon kings. If he was a real person, he would have lived during the 500s AD.
Who Was Æscwine?
Not much clear proof exists that Æscwine was a real person. His name first appears in an old family tree of East Saxon kings. This record is from the late 800s. It says he was the father of King Sledd. It also lists his ancestors, going back to a god named Seaxnet.
Different Stories About Æscwine
Later historians, writing in the 1100s and 1200s, also mention Æscwine. These writers, like Henry of Huntingdon and Roger of Wendover, used older materials. However, they often called him Erkenwine or Erchenwine instead of Æscwine. These names might suggest connections to the kingdom of Kent.
Roger of Wendover and Matthew Paris wrote that Erkenwine started the Kingdom of Essex in 527 AD. They said he ruled for a very long time, until 587 AD, when his son Sledd took over. Ruling for 60 years was very unusual back then. Other old family trees, like those from William of Malmesbury, say that Sledd was the first king of Essex. This means there are different ideas about who started the kingdom.
The Story of His Kingdom
According to old stories, Æscwine is remembered for fighting against Octa, who was the King of Kent. The tradition says he won a battle in 527 AD. This battle happened near a place called Millfields in Hackney, which is now part of London. After this victory, he supposedly established the Kingdom of Essex.
| Preceded by — |
King of Essex |
Succeeded by Sledd |
