Cearl of Mercia
Ceorl (also Cearl ) was a king of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia at the beginning of the 7th century.
Life
Ceorl was the first king of Mercia, who is mentioned by name as such in the sources. His ancestors are unknown and there is controversy as to whether he was descended from a collateral branch of the royal family established the Iclingas or was not related to this.
His daughter Cwenburh had with the Northumbrian, accurate Deira, Edwin displaced, the ceorl granted shelter, the two children Osfrith and Eadfrith. This suggests that ceorl neither henchman Æthelfriths of Northumbria still Æthelberhts of Kent, from which it is stated that he was the most powerful ruler in the south of England at this time, but an independently reigning king was the dependent himself toll on his him could demand areas. Probably ceorl was recognized in neighboring English regions and parts of Wales as a generic king. Higham assumes that Ceorls dominion included the mentioned in the first section of the Tribal Hidage nineteen tribes. Probably formed the River Ribble at that time the border Northumbria to Mercia.
Æthelfrith won by 615 at the Battle of Chester in an important victory over the Welsh kingdoms and probably over Mercia. His influence in Mercia was around 615/616 so strong that ceorl who had fled Edwin could not be guaranteed and Edwin in East Anglia sought asylum. Possibly prepared Æthelfrith Ceorls rule to an end 616 and could temporarily prevail even in Mercia and dependent small kingdoms or use of it dominated sub- kings.
Mostly Ceorls is recognized death to the year 626 and Penda, son of Pybba, considered to be the direct successor. Under Penda of Mercia rise to local wholesale power began within the so-called Heptarchy. Ceorls grandson Osfrith and Eadfrith were killed by Penda.
Swell
- Venerable Bede Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, online in Medieval Source Book (English)