Wessex

Kingdom of the West Saxons
Westseaxna rīce  (Old English)
519–927
Flag of Wessex
Flag of Wessex
The Kingdom of Wessex in 900 AD
The Kingdom of Wessex in 900 AD
Capital
and largest city
Winchester
Official languagesOld English
Common languagesOld English (official), Latin
Religion
GovernmentAbsolute Monarchy
King 
• 519–534 (first)
Cerdic
• 924–927 (last)
Athelstan
LegislatureWitenagemot
Historical eraHeptarchy
• Established
519
• Disestablished
927
CurrencyPenny
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Sub-Roman Britain
Kingdom of England
Map of the British Isles circa 802

Wessex was an old Anglo-Saxon kingdom before England became one country. It was one of seven kingdoms in England. It was named after the West Saxons. It was in the south and southwest of England. Wessex was a kingdom from the 6th century until the English state was made in the 9th century. It was an earldom between 1016 and 1066. Then "Wessex" was not an official place name. The 19th century novelist Thomas Hardy wrote about Wessex in his books which tell stories set in that area.

His Royal Highness The Prince Edward was given the title "Earl of Wessex" when he married Sophie who became the Countess of Wessex. The title Earl of Wessex had not been used since the last earl, King Harold Godwinson, was killed at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.