| Cynewulf | |
|---|---|
| King of Wessex | |
| Reign | 757–786 |
| Predecessor | Sigeberht |
| Successor | Beorhtric |
| Died | 786 |
| Burial | |
| House | Wessex |
Cynewulf was theKing ofWessex from 757 until 786. Mercia, which was then the dominant power, went through a period of disorder during most of his reign, so he was able to keep his territory intact until he was defeated by KingOffa of Mercia in 779. He was killed by the brother of his deposed predecessor in 786.
Cynewulf became king after deposing his predecessor,Sigeberht, with the support of most of the magnates. He may have accepted the lordship of KingÆthelbald of Mercia, who he met shortly thereafter, but it is more likely that Æthelbald acknowledged his kingship. However, it was not long before Æthelbald was assassinated and as a consequence,Mercia fell into a brief period of disorder as rival claimants to its throne fought. Cynewulf was also often at war with the Cornish. He was a benefactor of the church but also seized lands claimed by religious houses.[1]
In 779, Cynewulf was defeated by the newKing of Mercia,Offa, at theBattle of Bensington, and Offa then retook Berkshire, and perhaps alsoLondon. Despite this defeat, there is no evidence to suggest Cynewulf subsequently became subject to Offa.[1]
In 786, Cynewulf attempted to expelCyneheard, the brother of his predecessor, who discovered that Cynewulf was visiting his mistress's house inMeretun[a] and launched an attack on him. Both Cynewulf and Cyneheard were killed in the ensuing fight. Cynewulf was buried atWinchester.[1]
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | King of Wessex 757–786 | Succeeded by |
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