Sighere of Essex

Sighere (also Sigehere or Sigheri; † 690 ) was, together with Sebbi, from about 664 to about 690 King of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Essex.

Life

According to William of Malmesbury, a historian of the 12th century, Sighere was a son of the king Sigeberht I of Essex (c. 617 to 650).

To 664 King died Swithhelm as throughout Britain a plague broke out which claimed many victims. He was followed Sighere and Sebbi as kings over each part of Essex. Sebbi did Christianity arise while Sighere and the people of his kingdom part fell back into paganism. This led to rivalry between the two, which were exacerbated by the influence of Wessex and Mercia, Wessex which allied itself with Sighere and Mercia with Sebbi. Wulfhere of Mercia ( 658-675 ) used this apostasy as a pretext to interfere in Essex. He sent 665 the Mercian bishop Jaruman to re-Christianization of Essex. In fact, it was about control of the flourishing trade center London. In a charter from the year 664, he described himself as Sighere Rex Regi ... Uulfhero subjectus ( "King Sighere ... subject of the King Wulfhere ").

Sighere seems to have invaded the kingdom of Wessex and Kent to have dominated in the late years 680er temporarily together with Caedwallas brother Mul just in alliance with Caedwalla. The year of death Sigheres gave Roger of Wendover, a chronicler of the 13th century, 693 to, but died Sighere probably around 690, like the last, dated 687-691 Charter suggests with his signature. Sebbi now ruled as sole king of Essex, but thanked 694 in favor of his sons Sigeheard and Swaefred and Sigheres son from Offa.

Legend

Sighere to have been married to St. Osyth, a daughter of the King Frithuwold of Surrey, and niece Wulf Heres of Mercia. To be 673 Sighere again separated by Osyth, who fled to Bishop Badwine of North Elmham. They founded the later after her St. Osyth named monastery, for which they received land from her husband, who apparently accepted the new situation.

Swell

Sæbbi of Essex Swithhelm of Essex Cædwalla of Wessex Sigeheard of Essex Swæfred of Essex Offa of Essex Internet History Sourcebooks Project Barbara Yorke Prosopography of Anglo-Saxon England
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