Cissa (West Saxon)

Cissa (also Cissi, Cisi; fl -699? ) Should have prevailed " currently cent Wines " ( 676-685 ) as a regulus (small king) in Wiltshire and parts of Berkshire.

Life

Cissa is known besides a mention in the book De Abbatibus Abbendoniae ( " About the abbots of Abingdon " ) from the 12th century also by deeds. The identity Cissas with the signatory of all attributed to him Charters is not secured. He came possibly from the royal house of Wessex. The book De Abbatibus Abbendoniae called Cissa as subregulus ( viceroy ) of the " currently cent Wines " ( 676-685 ) in Wiltshire and parts of Berkshire prevailed. Its capital was Bedwyn. He is said to have the castle Cissebui ( " Chisbury Camp " ) was built and gave lands for the establishment of Abingdon Abbey to his nephew Hæha and his sister Cilla. However, this founding legend first appears in sources of the 12th century. The extent to which the link Cissas is historical fact or fiction later with the founding of the Abbey, could not be clarified. Perhaps the founding legends of Abingdon and Bradfield (Berkshire ) were mixed for reasons unknown at this time.

In an earlier version of the Historia Ecclesie Abbendonensis Caedwalla ( 685-688 ) is called the successor Cissas, suggesting a deposition as King 685. A charter Caedwallas from the year 688 carries Cissas signature, but without specifying a title. In another charter of the same year he was named. In the year 688 exchanged Baldred (fl. 681-693 ) and Abbot Aldhelm ( 675/680-709/710 ) of Malmesbury lands north of the River Avon. Baldred handed Stercanlei ( Startley Farm in Great Somerford, Wilts. ) And areas with Cnebbanburg against an area with Braydon ( Wilts. ). Cissa signed the Charter without specifying a title as a witness. In the year 693 Cissa signed another document.

Cissas another life is not known. Year of his death is unknown, but it is non multo post ( not long after ) died founding of the monastery, before its completion. He should be buried in Abingdon Abbey.

At about 700, the West Saxon Unterkönigtum disappeared from the sources. In a charter of King Ine ( 688-726 ) from the year 699 is mentioned a back -lying land transfer of the rex (king) Cissas to Abingdon Abbey. Aethelbald of Mercia ( 716-757 ) called Cissa next Caedwalla and Ine as former Saxonum rex ( king of Saxony).

Swell

• De Abbatibus Abbendoniae ( " About the abbots of Abingdon ", 12th century)
• Historia Ecclesie Abbendonensis ( "Ecclesiastical History of Abingdon ", 12th century)