Anglo-Saxon England

Wihtred

Jun 7, 2023

Learn about the reign of King Wihtred, who restored Kentish independence and left a law code. Discover how Kentish society changed, the stabilization of Kent, and the development of the monarchy and laws concerning the church. Explore early decrees on marriages, outlawing paganism, and the transformation of Kent into a Christian medieval kingdom.

17:38

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Quick takeaways

Wihtred's reign marked the end of foreign occupation and aimed to establish stability and closer relations with Wessex.

Wihtred's law code demonstrated the growing majesty and authority of the monarchy and the church in Kent, enforcing ecclesiastical law and discouraging pagan practices.

Deep dives

Witchred's rise to power and foreign policy

According to Bead, Witchred's ascension to the kingship of Kent marked the end of foreign occupation. He aimed to establish stability and sought closer relations with Wessex.

Introduction

2min

The Rise of Witchred and the Stabilization of Kent

3min

Witchred's Reign and the Creation of His Law Code

3min

The 'Wihtred' Lore Code: Development of Monarchy and Laws Regarding the Church

5min

Early decrees on marriages, oath swearing, and outlawing paganism in Kent

5min

Transformation of Kent into a Christian Medieval Kingdom

3min

King Wihtred, the king who restored Kentish independence, had a long but largely mysterious reign. However from what survives we can tell that his rule marked a final restoration of Kent as a free power able to negotiate with other kingdoms on its own terms. Wihtred also left a law code which allows us to see how markedly Kentish society had changed within the space of one hundred years from that which Augustine and the missionaries encountered in 597. In this episode we will consider Wihtred's reign as well as the evidence provided by his laws to build a picture of Kent at the close of the seventh century.

Credits –

Music: 'Wælheall' by Hrōðmund Wōdening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQfdqIyqJ4g&list=LL&index=5&ab_channel=Hr%C5%8D%C3%B0mundW%C5%8Ddening

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