Anglo-Saxon England

Kent Under Mercia

Jun 21, 2023

After Wihtred's death, Kent experienced instability and was invaded multiple times by Mercia. The once-great kingdom was brought to its knees during almost 50 years of Mercian overlordship. The chapters discuss the reigns of Wittret's sons, the uncertain relationship between Kent and Mercia, the history of Kent after Athelbert's death, and Offer's actions and resistance in Kent.

16:12

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Kent experienced almost 50 years of on and off Mercian overlordship, leading to its downfall.

The three brothers, Athelbert, Ayadbert, and Alaric, played crucial roles in the subsequent history of Kent.

Deep dives

Athelbert, Ayadbert, and Alaric - The sons of Wittret

After Wittret's death, Kent was divided among his sons Athelbert, Ayadbert, and Alaric. Athelbert was the most well-documented of the three brothers, issuing charters and indicating that he may have been groomed for the throne before his father's death. Ayadbert also had limited authority and issued a few charters. Alaric's reign is largely unknown. These three brothers were crucial in the subsequent history of Kent.

Introduction

6min

Uncertain Relationship Between Kent and Mercia

3min

The History of Kent After Athelbert's Death

6min

The Rule of offer and Resistance in Kent

3min

Following the death of Wihtred Kent entered a period of instability which left it open to the expanding ambitions of Mercia. What followed was almost 50 years of on and off Mercian overlordship which saw Kent invaded and restructured several times. In that time, the once great kingdom was brought to its knees.

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

Social Media -

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anglosaxonengland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anglo-Saxon-England-Podcast-110529958048053

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnglandAnglo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anglosaxonenglandpodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzyGUvYZCstptNQeWTwfQuA

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices