Cenred of Mercia

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Cenred (or Coenred, Coinred, Kenred) ruled the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia.

The son of Wulfhere, he was probably too young to succeed to the throne when Wulfhere died in 675, and so his uncle Æthelred ruled until 704, when he abdicated. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentions Cenred becoming "King of the Southumbrians" (a title of unclear meaning) in 702.

According to Bede, Cenred abdicated in favor of Æthelred's son Ceolred after four years, went with Offa (an East Saxon ruler) to Rome and was made a monk by Pope Constantine. He died at an unknown date.

Cenred's name appears on several charters granting land, including ones to Waldshere the Bishop of London, Cuthswith the Abbess of Worcester, and to the Abbey of Evesham.

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Titles of nobility
Preceded by
Aethelred
King of Mercia
704709
Succeeded by
Ceolred
Languages