Aescwine was the son of Cenfus, who also ruled Wessex as a subking.[1] They both claimed descent from Cynric through his son Ceolwulf.[a][1] After the death of Cenwalh the underkings took over Wessex and ruled it for about ten years.[4] According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Cenwalh was succeeded as ruler by his wife Seaxburh.[5] She ruled for about one year trying to hold central control over Wessex.[1] In 675, Aescwine defeated Wulfhere over territory north of the Thames.[6] Aescwine reigned from about 674 to 676.[1] He was succeeded by Centwine.
Notes
↑Not to be confused with Cynric's grandson Ceolwulf who ruled from 597 to 611.[2] This Ceolwulf did not reign.[3]
References
↑ 1.01.11.21.3Mike Ashley, The Mammoth Book of British Kings and Queens (New york: Carroll & Graf, 1999), p. 306
↑Barbara Yorke, Kings and Kingdoms of Early Anglo-Saxon England (London: Routledge, 1997), p. 135
↑G. H. Wheeler, 'The Genealogy of the Early West Saxon Kings', The English Historical Review, Vol. 36, No. 142 (Apr., 1921), p. 167
↑Bede, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, trans. Leo Sherley Price, revsd. R. E. Latham (London; New York: Penguin, 1990), pp. 223-24
↑Mike Ashley, The Mammoth Book of British Kings and Queens (New york: Carroll & Graf, 1999), pp. 305-06
↑D. P. Kirby, The Earliest English Kings (London; New York: Routledge, 2000), p. 52