Gaini

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The Gaini (or the Gainas) were a tribe or former kingdom of early Anglo-Saxon people, thought to have settled in the area around modern Gainsborough in northern Lincolnshire during the 6th century[1]. Although originally located within the Kingdom of Lindsey which which collapsed in late 8th century, later Ealdormen were subservient to the Kings of Mercia as their overlords[2].

The etymology of Gainsborough is Gegnburg or Gegn's stronghold,[3] suggesting that Gegn may have been the founder of the tribe who settled the lands served by the River Trent. These people first came to prominence in 868 when Alfred the Great, then an atheling of Wessex, married Ealhswið, daughter of Æthelred Mucil, Ealdorman of the Gainas[2]. By then Mucel, probably his father, had already been a prominent witness in the courts of King Burgred of Mercia. Mucel and his likely father, Esne, were well attested witnesses to Mercian charters and described as Dux (Duke) or Princeps (Prince) but never "of the Gainas"[4].

The approximate succession of Ealdormen of the Gainas[4].

  • Esne (c.765-c.814)
  • Mucel (c.814-c.848)
  • Æthelred Mucil (c.848-c.866)
  • Æthelwulf (c.866-c.877)

Lincolnshire was overrun by the Danes in 873 and 874, who returned to settle the area in 877 after the partition of Mercia. Æthelwulf is later recorded as being granted land in Worcestershire by Lord Æthelred of Mercia, his nephew-in-law, in 884.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Gainsborough Town Council: History Retrieved on 2008-01-26.
  2. ^ a b Walker, Ian W (2000). Mercia and the Making of England Sutton ISBN 0-7509-2131-5
  3. ^ Ayto, J & Crofton, C (2005). Brewer's Britain & Ireland Weidenfeld & Nicolson ISBN 0-304-35385-X p446.
  4. ^ a b Prosopography of Anglo Saxon England: Persons Retrieved on 2008-01-26.