Swæfheard

Swæfheard (also Suaebhard, Sueaberdus, Suebeard, Suebhard, Webheard, Wæbheard, Swaberht ) was from 687/688 bis 692/694 King of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Kent.

There is uncertainty about whether the well-known only from the Charter S11 King Swaberht ( Swæberht, Suabertus; fl. 685/695 ) is identical to Swæfheard, or whether it is another ruler. Some historians hold Swæfheard and Swæfred, who reigned 694-704 / 709 Essex, for the same person.

Life

Swæfheards father was Sebbi king of Essex. His mother's name is unknown. Towards the end of the 680er years Sebbi gained dominion over the western parts of Kent and sat there 687/688 his son Swæfheard as a king. Venerable Bede declared him one of the series of lively dubii vel externi ( " dubious and foreign kings " ), who ruled in Kent since 686. West Kent was probably as a sub- kingdom of Essex aufgefasst.Swæfheards brothers Sigeheard and Swaefred seem to have been already involved at this time of the reign in Essex, as they signed charters as rex (king).

In the eastern part of Kent ruled Oswine ( 688-690/691 ) with the Swæfheard a peaceful and equal cooperation led. This is indicated by documents, which, reciprocally as an exhibitor and witness, bear the signatures of both kings. Maybe both owed ​​their position Æthelred of Mercia, who confirmed their charters.

In the " second year of his reign " ( 689 ) Swæfheard rendered extensive lands in Sudaneie (Isle of Thanet ) and Sturgeh ( Sturry, near Canterbury ) to the abbess Aebbe the monastery Minster -in- Thanet to the " salvation of his soul " and " forgiveness " to gain his sins. Other lands he forgave 687/691 to Ecgbald, the abbot of Medeshamstede ( Peterborough ), to " an everlasting possession ". 690 or 691 crashed Wihtred, the brother of the last " legitimate " King Eadric, his relatives Oswine from the throne and reigned ever since about the East Kent. The West Kents, however, remained initially under the suzerainty of Essex and was administered by Swæfheard. Wihtred was again brought a longer term after a series of very short-lived governments. Venerable Bede wrote that in the year 692, two kings, and Swæfheard Wihtred, reigned in Kent. Probably took Wihtred 692-694 a campaign against Mercia and Essex, drove Swæfheard, who disappeared from the sources, was advancing across the Thames and became the sole ruler of Kent.

Swell

Swæfred of Essex Sæbbi of Essex Sigeheard of Essex Wihtred of Kent Eadric of Kent Internet History Sourcebooks Project Barbara Yorke Prosopography of Anglo-Saxon England Sighere of Essex
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