Eardwulf of Kent

Eardwulf (also Eardulfus, Earduulfus; † before 762 ) was from 748 until his death in co-regent of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Kent.

Life

Eardwulf came from the Kentish dynasty of Oiscingas. He was a son of the king Eadberht I. ( 725-748 ). His mother is unknown. Eardwulf was 748 after the death of his father succeeded him as king in the West Kents. In the eastern part of Kent, his uncle Aethelberht II, reigned ( 725-762 ) as a superior king. Both parts of the country were under the supremacy Mercia, whose king Aethelbald dominated the whole of southern England.

From the period 748-672 two charters or their copies have been preserved, bearing the Eardwulfs hands. The Charter S30 authenticated Eardwulf in favor of the St. Andrew 's Church in Rochester grazing rights in Holanspic (not isolated ), Paetlanhrygc ( Petteridge in Brenchley ) and Lindhrygc ( Lindridge ). His uncle King Aethelberht II signed this document as a witness. The Charter S31 notarized a land grant in Perhamstede (presumably Palmstead / Kent ) to Heahberht, the abbot of the monastery of Reculver. Eardwulf was illiterate and signed with a cross, which he sat by propriam manum ( " with his own hand "). Also a letter from the king and bishop Eardwulf Eardwulf of Rochester to Bishop Lull of Mainz sent with the request for prayers for deceased relatives, was preserved. With Eardwulf ended the rule of the Oiscingas in the West Kents. His successor was Sigered, which presumably originated from the royal dynasty of Essex.

The source location to Eardwulf is sparse and contradictory. From contemporary chroniclers he was not mentioned. Some modern historians consider his father Eadberht I. ( 725-748 ) and Eadberht II ( 762 to 764 ) for identical persons, and draw a joint rule with his father Eardwulfs into consideration. The chronology and succession of rulers of his time should be viewed with some skepticism.

Swell

• Charter S30
• Charter S31