Anglo-Saxon England

King Anna and His Children

Oct 4, 2023

This podcast discusses the political situation in East Anglia after Penda's attack, focusing on the rise of a new ruler named Anna. It explores Anna's experiences, religious commitments, and failed attempts at forming alliances through his daughters' marriages. The podcast also covers the discovery of a whale bone diptych and venerated remains, as well as the lives of Anna's children and his wife's miraculous encounter with doves.

17:16

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Quick takeaways

King Anna of East Anglia played a crucial role in the power struggle between Mercia and Northumbria, chosen by Northumbria's Oswald to oppose Penda's dominance in southern England.

King Anna's daughters, Athlethryth and Seaxber, gained prominence as saints in early Anglo-Saxon England, with Athelburg also achieving sainthood, solidifying Anna's legacy as a significant ruler with a strong religious influence.

Deep dives

The Reign of King Anna of East Anglia

King Anna of East Anglia was a ruler who played a significant role in the power struggle between Mercia and Northumbria in Anglo-Saxon England. He was chosen as a potential ruler by Northumbria's Oswald due to his willingness to oppose Penda, a powerful figure seeking dominance in southern England. Anna's base at Exning near the Devil's Dyke, a strategic point controlling the region's movement, was key to his defense against Mercian raids. Anna's religious devotion and support for Christianity earned him a reputation as an intensely pious king. He arranged tactical marriages for his daughters to form alliances, but ultimately failed to effectively counter the Mercian threat. Anna and his son were killed in battle against Penda's forces at Bull Camp in Suffolk.

Introduction

3min

Anna's Experiences, Religious Commitments, and Defeat

3min

Discovery of Whale Bone Diptych and Venerated Remains

3min

The Lives of King Anna's Children: Athlethrith and Seixper

8min

King Anna's Wife and the Gentle Doves

2min

Following Penda’s attack in 635, East Anglia became a pawn in the emerging cold war between Mercia and Northumbria. Keen to check the growing power of the midland kingdom, Oswald of Northumbria was eager to support a new ruler in East Anglia who might manage to check Penda’s obvious ambitions to overlordship of southern England. His gaze soon settled on a nephew of Raedwald by the name of Anna.

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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