Æthelheard of Hwicce facts for kids

Æthelheard was a king of Hwicce, an Anglo-Saxon kingdom in what is now the English midlands. He ruled alongside his brothers, Æthelweard, Æthelberht, and Æthelric. It is thought that they were all sons of King Oshere.

King of Hwicce

Æthelheard was one of several kings who ruled Hwicce at the same time. This was not unusual for Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Often, brothers would share power.

Early Records

In the year 692, Æthelheard and his brother Æthelweard signed an important document called a charter. This charter was given to Abbess Cuthswith. A charter was a written agreement or a grant of land.

In the same year, Æthelheard also witnessed a charter from Æthelred, who was the King of Mercia. He did this alongside his brothers Æthelweard, Æthelberht, and Æthelric.

Family Affairs

In 693, all four brothers – Æthelheard, Æthelweard, Æthelberht, and Æthelric – witnessed another charter. This document was issued by their father, King Oshere. This shows they were active in the kingdom's affairs.

Being Called King

Æthelheard is called "rex" (which means "king" in Latin) in only one known document. This was a list of witnesses attached to a charter from Cenred, King of Mercia, in 709. While the witness list seems real, the charter itself might not be. [1]