Æscwine of Wessex
King of Wessex from 674 to 676
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Æscwine was a King of Wessex from about 674 to 676, but was probably not the only king in Wessex at the time.
| Æscwine | |
|---|---|
| King of Wessex | |
| Reign | 674–676 |
| Predecessor | Seaxburh |
| Successor | Centwine |
| Died | After 676 |
| House | Wessex |
| Father | Cenfus |
Bede writes that after the death of King Cenwalh in 672: "his under-rulers took upon them the kingdom of the people, and dividing it among themselves, held it ten years".[1] According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Cenwalh was succeeded as ruler for about one year by his wife Seaxburh.[2] Æscwine reigned from about 674 to 676.[3] Another source claims that Æscwine's father, Cenfus (Old English: Cēnfūs), ruled for two years after Seaxburh.[4][5]
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle supplies a genealogy, making him a fifth-generation descendant of Cynric. Bede's dismissal of Æscwine as a mere sub-king may represent the views of the supporters of the King Ine of Wessex, whose family ruled Wessex in Bede's time,[6] as Ine's family were bona fide descendants of Cynric through Ceawlin's son Cuthwine.
In 675, Æscwine defeated an invasion of Wessex led by the Mercian King Wulfhere at Biedanheafde,[4] a location which has not been certainly identified.
Æscwine was succeeded by Centwine of Wessex.