Sigeheard of Essex

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Sigeheard was joint king of Essex along with his brother, Swaefred, from 694 to 709, succeeding their father Sebbi.

In 705, they became estranged from King Ine of Wessex for sheltering his rivals to the throne. At the Synod of Brentford, they agreed to banish the rivals from Essex in return for King Ine promising not to attack Essex. The exact chronology of the later years of their rule are uncertain. It isn't known whether they governed together until 709 or if Swaefred died before then.

Sigeheard along with Cenred of Mercia confirmed the purchase of Fulham from Tyrhtel (Thyrtell), Bishop of Hereford by Waldhere (Waldherus), Bishop of London ^[1] (charter S1785).

In 709, Sigeheard's son Offa was briefly joint ruler of Essex and succeeded them as ruler of Essex, but he later abdicated and traveled with King Cenred of Mercia to Rome.

Preceded by Sebbi

King of Essex 694-709 ruled jointly with Swaefred

Succeeded by Offa

[edit] Notes

1. ^ Frank Stenton, Anglo-Saxon England (OUP, Third Edition, reissued 2001)