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Anglian Collection
Anglo-Saxon Royal Genealogies
The Anglian Collection
Genealogies of seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms thought to be derived from a common source dating to the late 8th century.
Here are the genealogies of the Kings reigning in different places in the parts of Britain — title of the Vespasian B manuscript. With each of the Kingdoms alongside the Anglian Collection Genealogy List there is an actual historical King List they are different as the genealogy list represents the last named king on the list back through a direct linage to the mythical Woden. The King List includes other family members who ruled the Kingdom along with historical dates and a high level overview of their reign. The text in red are additional recorded kings of each kingdom, constructing a king list for each kingdom allowing comparison with the hereditary lineage.
Taking Deira as an example, Edwin's lineage goes back through his father Aelle to the mythical Woden. Between the death of Aelle in 588 and Edwin regaining the kingdom in 616, Aelle's brother Athelric rules Deira until 604. Deira is united with Bernicia under Aethelfrith between 604 and 616. There are also multiple named individuals on the genealogy lists who do not reign as king, for example Aethelric and Eni of East Anglia.
The East Saxons and South Saxons are comparable to Lindsey in that all three are assessed at 7,000 Hides in the Tribal Hidage and all three become client kingdoms to Mercia in the 7th century.
Four Manuscript Versions
Vespasian B vi
British Library, Sir Robert Cotton Collection (1571–1631). Contains only six kingdoms — Wessex
missing.
Corpus Christi College Cambridge MS 183
Parker Library, founded by Matthew Parker (1504–1575).
Tiberius B v
British Library, Sir Robert Cotton Collection (1571–1631).
Textus Roffensis
Manuscript held in the Rochester Cathedral Library.
Kingdom of Lindsey
Genealogy List
- Aldfrið Eating
- Eata Eanferþing
- Eanferþ Bisceoping
- Beoscep Beding
- Beda Bubbing
- Bubba Cædbæding
- Cædbęd Cwedgilsing
- Cwedgils Cretting
- Cretta Winting
- Winta Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
- Frealaf Frioþowulsing
- Freoþowulf Finning
- Finn Godwulfing
- Godwulf Geating
Lindsey is striking in that we don't have any recorded history for any of the names on its genealogy list. This has led some scholars to question its authenticity — is it a genuine genealogy comparable to the other six in the Anglian Collection?
Beoscep, or Biscop as spelt in the Vespasian B version, is of particular interest as some scholars believe this name could only exist post the conversion to Christianity; the etymology means "overseer" and in the Anglo-Saxon period we see Biscop being a title of Christian Bishops. We have a very specific date for the Conversion in Lindsey from Bede as 628.
If Beoscep is 7th century then Aldfrith, Eata and Eanferth must also be from this period. In the book two potential timelines are speculated upon: one assumes the Lindsey genealogy is a genuine father and son relationship; another assumes it is not father and son relationships but does represent people who reigned as kings of Lindsey.
Kingdom of Deira / Northumbria
Genealogy List
- Eadwine Ælling
- Ælle Yffing
- Yffe Uuscfreaing
- Uuscfrea Uuilgising
- Uuilgils Uuestorwaling
- Uuestorualcna Soemling
- Soemel Sæfuguling
- Sæfugel Sæbalding
- Sæbald Siggeoting
- Siggeot Suebdæging
- Suebdæg Siggaring
- Siggar Uuægdæging
- Uuegdæg Uuodening
- Uuoden Frealafing
King List
Edwin
son of Alle, born 586. He was 2 years old when his father died. He was brought up as a
prince in Aethelric's court. Edwin's sister Acha married Aethfrith of Bernicia. On
Aethelric's death Deira and Bernicia were united to form Northumbria. Edwin at 18 was a
rival to Aethelfrith and went in to exile. Edwin's first wife Cwenburgh was daughter of
Cearl of Mercia, whom he married while in exile. Edwin became king in 616 following the
battle of the River Idle that resulted in the death of Aethelfrith. Edwin's second wife
Aethelburg was daughter of Aethelberht of Kent. A condition of the marriage being that
Edwin became Christian. Through out his reign he expanded his kingdom and was recognised
as Bretwelda.
Edwin was killed along with his oldest son Osfrith at the battle of Hatfield in 633, His
younger son Eadfrith was captured by Penda and later killed.
Aethelric
– Thought to be the brother of Aelle, he ruled Deria 588 (Bede 597) - 604.
Aelle
- The Anglo Saxon Chronicle records him becoming king in 560 & “passed away” in 588.
The remaining names from Yffe back to the mythical Woden have left no record outside of
the Anglian Collection. We don't know which of the linage is associated with the
migration.
Kingdom of Bernicia / Northumbria
Genealogy List
- Ecgfrið Osweoing
- Oswio Æðelfriðing
- Æþelfrið Æþelricing
- Æðelric Iding
- Ida Eopping
- Eoppa Oesing
- Oesa Æþelberhting
- Æðelberht Angengeoting
- Angengiot Alusing
- Alusa Ingebranding
- Ingebrand Wægbranding
- Wægbrand Beornicing
- Beornic Bældæging
- Bældæg Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
King List
Ecgfrith
son of Oswui, born 645, becomes king in 670, first wife Aethelthryth, daughter of Anna
of East Anglia, second wife Eormenburg. Fought the Picts 671, Wulfhere in 674, Aethelred
in 679, killed by the Picts in 685 at Dun Nectain.
Oswui
son of Aethelfrith & Acha, born 612. Brought up in exile in Dal Raita after his
fathers death in 616. He became king in 642. Killed Penda in 655 at the battle of
Winwaed, died 670.
Oswald
son of Aethelfrith and Acha, born in 604. Brought up in exile in Dal Raita where he
became Christian and friend to Aidan. He becomes king in 634, Killing Cadwallon at the
battle of Heavenfield. Oswald brought his fiend Aidan from Iona to set up a monastery on
Lindisfarne and bring Christianity to his people. He married to Kyneburga of Wessex. He
conquered the Gododdin in 638. He was killed by Penda in 642 at the battle of
Maserfield.
Eanfrith
son of Aethelfrith and Acha, Brought up in exile in Dal Raita after his fathers death
in 616. After Edwin's death at Hatfield in 633 he returned from exile to retake his
kingdom of Bernicia but was Killed by Cadwallon in 634.
Aethelfrith
son of Aethelric. King of Bernicia from 592 then Northumbria from 604, married to Acha
of Deria. Defeated the Britons in 600, Dal Raita in 603, the Britons again in 613 at
Chester. Killed in 616 by Raedwald of East Anglia at the battle of the River Idle. He
was the first Anglian ruler to significantly push west and north from Bamburgh.
Hussa
reigned 585-592? His relationship to Ida is uncertain. Recorded as fighting against a
coaltion of Brythonic Kingdoms. His son Hering is recorded as fighting against
Aethelfrith at Degsastan in 603.
Frithuwald
reigned 579 – 585? Uncertain linage and no recorded events for his reign.
Theodric
son of Ida reigned 572 - 579? Mentioned in early Brythonic sources. Fought against
Rheged.
Aethelric
son of Ida, King of Bernicia 568 - 572? Fought against the Brythonic Kingdoms.
Adda
son of Ida reigned 560 – 568? Fought the Brythonic Kingdoms appearing in early sources
but with contradictory dates.
Glappa
reigned 559 -560, unknown linage with Ida but appears on a regnal list as Ida's
successor reigning for one year.
Ida
King of Bernicia 547 - 559 and reported as being the founder of the linage that goes
on to rule Bernicia and then Northumbria, founder of the royal fortress at Bamburgh.
Married to Bearnoch he has 12 recored sons, three of whom were kings of Bernicia. The
early sources provide no detail of when this linage came to Britain. The names from
Eoppa back to the mythical Woden have left no record outside of the Anglian Collection.
Theodric
son of Ida reigned 572 - 579? Mentioned in early Brythonic sources. Fought against
Rheged.
Kingdom of Mercia
Genealogy List
- Æðelred Pending
- Penda Pybbing
- Pybba Creoding
- Creoda Cynewalding
- Cynewald Cnebbing
- Cnebba Icling
- Icel Eomæring
- Eomær Angengeoting
- Angengiot Offing
- Offa Wærmunding
- Wærmund Wihtlæging
- Wihtlæg Wioþolgeoting
- Weoþolgiot Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
King List
Aethelred son of Penda, born 645
married Osthryth daughter of Oswui. Reigned 675 – 704. Invaded Kent in 676, defeated
his brother-in-law Ecgfrith at the Battle of the Trent in 679. Retired to Bardney as
Abbot in 704. Died and buried at Bardney 709.
Wulfhere
son of Penda, born 640, married Eormenhild daughter of Eorcenberht of Kent. Came to
power following the Mercian Revolt in 658 against Oswui. Defeated by Ecgfrith in 674.
Died in 675.
Penda
son of Pybba, born 606, regained in possibly southern Mercia from 626 and all of
Mercia by 633. Fearsome Pagan warrior he slew 4 other significant kings in battle, the
Northumbrians Edwin in 633, Oswald in 642, the East Anglian's Sigeberht in 635 and Anna
in 654. He was killed by Oswui in 655.
Pybba
son of Creoda, born 570? Reigned 593 – 606?.
Ceorl
who's daughter Cwenburg married Edwin of Deira when he was in exile in Mercia.
Possibly a kinsman of Pybba reigned 606 – 626.
Creoda
son of Cynewald, reigned 585 – 593?
Cnebba
son of Icel, reigned 535 - 545
Icel
son of Eomer, born in Denmark / Germany – home of the Angles, landed in East Anglia
taking territory creating the initial kingdom of Mercia, reigned as king 515 - 535. The
remaing names on the genealogy list are all pre-migration back to the mythical Woden.
Kingdom of East Anglia
Genealogy List
- Ælfwald Aldwulfing
- Aldwulf Æþelricing
- Æþelric Ening
- Eni Tyttling
- Tyttla Wuffing
- Wuffa Wehhing
- Wehh Wilhelming
- Wilfhelm Hrypping
- Hryp Hroðmunding
- Hroðmund Trygling
- Trygil Tytmaning
- Tytman Casering
- Caser Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
King List
Aelfwald
son of Ealdwulf, reigned 713 – 749, the last of the Wuffingas Dynasty. He was a well
educated, devote Christian ruler succesful in his diplomatic relations and development
of his kingdoms economy.
Ealdwulf
son of Aethilric, reigned 664 – 713. His mother was Hereswith, niece of Edwin of
Northumbria. An incredible long reign of 49 years is testiment to his effective rule.
Aetholwold
son of Eni, nephew of Raedwald, reigned 655 – 664. No other record has survived of his
reign. His brothers before him were caught up in Penda of Mercia's wars were both lost
their lives.
Aethelhere
son of Eni, and nephew of Raedwald reigned 654 – 655. Following his brothers death at
the battle of Bulcamp he was probably vassal to Penda. Killed at Winwaed supporting
Penda.
.
Anna
son of Eni, nephew of Raedwald, reigned 636 – 654. Anna was a devote christian. When
Cewalh of Wessex was under Anna protection being driven out by Penda, he persuaded
Cenwalh to adopt christianity. Anna himself had to flee an attack by Penda in 651 only
returning in 653. In 654 Anna, along with his son Jurmin, were slain by Penda at the
battle of Bulcamp.
Ecgric & Sigeberht
– ruled jointly 630 - 636. Sigeberht retired to his monastery at Beodrceworth (Bury St
Edmunds) in 634. Both Ecgric and Siegbert were killed in battle by Penda in 636. Ecgric
is reported to have forced Siegbert to leave his monastery to help lead the army against
the Mercian invasion. Siegbert is recorded by Bede as decling to fight and only taking
up a wooden staff.
Eorpwald
son of Raedwald, reigned 624 – 627? Assassinated by Ricbert an East Anglian nobleman.
Raedwald
son of Tytila, reigned 599 – 624, killed Aethelfrith of Northumbria in 616 at the
battle of the River Idle bringing Edwin to power in Northumbria. Recognised as
Bretwalda. He maintained both Christian and Pagan temples. He is generally regarded to
be buried in the famous Sutton Hoo ship burial.
Tytila
son of Wuffa, reigned 578 - 599 but no other record of his reign survives.
Wuffa
according to Roger of Wendover reigned 571 – 578. Bede records that he is the first
King of East Anglia.
Wehh
– the 9th century History of the Britons, attributed to Nennius, records Wehh as being
the first Anglo Saxon King of East Anglia. It is not clear if Wehh is the one who
migrated to Britain or if this is one of the names between Wilfhelm and the mythical
Woden.
Kingdom of Kent
Genealogy List
- Æþilbriht Wihtreding
- Wihtred Ecgberhting
- Ecgberht Erconberhting
- Erconberht Eadbalding
- Eadbald Æþelberthing
- Æþelberht Eormenricing
- Eormenric Oesing
- Oese Ocging
- Ocga Hengesting
- Hengest Witting
- Witta Wihtgisling
- Wihtgisl Wægdæging
- Wægdæg Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
King List
Aethelberht II
son of Wihtred, reigned 725 – 762. Ruled jointly with his brothers Eadberht and Alric
both of whom he outlived. He then ruled jointly with his nephew Eardwulf. Later in his
reign he was under the Overlordship of the Mercian kings.
Wihtred
son of Ecgberht, reigned 690 – 725 gained power following a struggle against the West
Saxons. Reigned for 35 years.
Eadric
son of Ecgberht, reigned 685 – 686. With assistance from the South Saxons defeated his
uncle Hlothere in battle but was then removed by Caedwalla of the West Saxons who put
his brother Mul in power in Kent.
Hlothere
son of Erconberht, reigned 673 – 685, succeeded his brother Ecgberht. In 676 Kent was
invaded and devastated by Aethelred of Mercia. Hlothere maintained his throne and ruled
jointly with Eadric for a period.
Ecgberht
son of Erconberht, reigned 664 – 673, still a child when he became king, his mother
Seaxburh is recorded as regent. Is recoded as having two of his cousins murdered and
having to pay Wergild in compensation. He appears to have been well connected with the
church meeting with the Northumbrian bishops Wilfrid and Benedict Biscop as well as his
own Archbishop Thoedore of Canterbury.
Erconberh
son of Eadbald, reigned 640 – 664. Passed over his older brother to become king.
Ordered the destruction of Pagan idols in the kingdom. Married Seaxburh of Ely, daughter
of Anna of East Anglia, his sister Aethelburg married Wulfhere of Mercia.
Eadbald
son of Aethelberht 1, reined 616 – 640. Initial did not convert to Christianity, his
sister Aethelburg married Edwin of Northumbria.
Aethelberht I
son of Eormenric, reigned 560- 616. Bretwalda and first Christian Anglo-Saxon King.
Married Bertha daughter of Charibert I king of the Franks. He accepted Pope Gregory I
Augustine mission in 597 becoming the first Anglo Saxon king to convert to Christianity.
Strong trading and diplomatic ties with the Franks made Kent the most powerful Anglo
Saxon kingdom at this time. Aethelbert produced the first coinage and produced the first
law codes written in the Germanic language. He was later made a Saint. There is
considerable discrepancy with dates in the early sources.
Eormenric
reigned 540 – 580 – conflicting dates in the sources Bede records his death as being
in 560.
Octa
reigned 512 – 540 – conflicting dates and linage in the sources.
Oisc
reigned 488 – 512, start of the Oiscingus dynasty. Bede records him as coming to
Britain with his father Hengist
Hengist
although recorded with his brother Horsa, by Bede, Nennius and the Anglo Saxon
Chroicle as ruling Kent c. 455 – 488 scholars today believe this to be a mythical
foundation story. The early sources record the brothers initially being employed as
mercenaries to the British King Vortigern who they turn against. Horsa is said to have
been killed fighting the Britons while Hengest manages to conquer the territory that
became the Kingdom of Kent.
Kingdom of the West Saxons
Genealogy List
- Ine Cenreding
- Cenred Ceolwalding
- Ceolwald Cuþwulfing
- Cuþwulf Cuþwining
- Cuþwine Celing
- Celin Cynricing
- Cynric Creoding
- Creoda Cerdicing
- Cerdic Alucing
- Aluca Giwising
- Giwis Branding
- Brand Bældæging
- Bældæg Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
King List
Ine
son of Cenred, born 670, reigned 689 – 726 when he abdicated to go to Rome. His sister
Cuthburh married Aldfrith of Northumbria.
Caedwalla
reigned 685 – 688. Exiled in his youth he gathered forces and took the Kingdom of the
South Saxons although he couldn’t hold it. As King of Wessex, he expanded the kingdom
taking Sussex, Surry, Kent and the Isle of Wight. Wounded on the Isle of Wight he
abdicated, traveled to Rome, was baptized and died 10 days later.
Cenred
son of Ceowald, did not reign as king.
Centwine
reigned 676 – 685, the borders of his territory is unclear.
Ceolwald
son of Cuthwald, born 622, died 688, did not reign as king.
Aescwine
son of Cenfus 674 – 676, ruled in a turbulent period in Wessex following the death of
Cenwalh, he defeated an invasion by Wulfhere of Mercia.
Seaxburh
is the only female that appears to have ruled in her own right and be recorded on a
regnal list, she reigned 672 – 674, as regent following her husband Cenwalh’s death. Her
rule was challanged by a number of male claiments.
Cenwalh
son of Cynegils and grandson of Cedric, he reigned 642 – 645 & 648 – 672, he had
married Penda of Mercia sister but then threw her out taking another wife. This resulted
in an invasion of Wessex by Penda and Cenwalh had to flee and seek protection from Anna
of East Anglia befor regaining his kingdowm. The dates and duration of his exile are
contradictory in the early sources.
Cynegils
c. 611 – 642 is believed to have ruled the traditional Gewisse teritory boardering
Mercia. Like several of these early names in the Wessex genealogy the etymology suggests
British rather than Germanic ancestry. The Anglo Saxon Chronicle records a significant
victory over the Welsh in 614 and a battle against Penda in 628. A potential son
Cwichelm, may have reiged alongside him. Cwichelm is reported by Bede to have been
behind the assasination attempt on Edwin of Northumbria in 628. Reigning for "30
winters" he was clearly a powerful 7th century leader.He is recorded as being baptised
with Oswald of Northumbia being his god father in the 630's, Oswald married Cyngils
daughter Cyneburg.
Ceolwulf
c. 597 – 611, the early sources are contradictory on the length of his his reign. He
is recorded as being in contious conflict with his neighbours, Brythonic and Germanic.
Ceol
592 - 597? Is believed to be the founder of the linage that connects Ceolwulf through
to Cenwalh and later Centwine, Coenwulf and Ceolfwulf I.
Cuthwine
son of King Celin, he does not become king. Born 565.
Celin
son of Cynric, reigned c 560 – 592?, named as Bretwalda, he lived in the period where
the Germanic peoples pushed the Brythonic kingdoms westward with numerous battles
recorded. He was deposed by his nephew Ceol in 592, died in 593. The duration and dates
of his reign are contradictory and unreliable in the early sources.
Cynric
according to the Anglo Saxon Chronicles reigned 534 - 560, David Dumville proposed the
later dates of 554 - 581. Early sources are contradictory on Cynric's linage recorded as
being the son of both Creoda and Cedric.
Creoda's
reign is uncertain. The early source material is contradictory and unreliable on
Creoda, he appears in some early linages but not in others.
Cedric
The Anglo Saxon Chronicle states that he landed with his son Cynric in Britain in 495
with 5 ships. The Anglo Saxon Chronicle reports a number of battles against the Britons
with Cedric creating and being the first king of the West Saxons reigning 519 to 534. If
the Anglian genealogy is genuine then the names Aluca back to the mythical Woden are all
pre-migration. Cedric however is another name where the etymology suggests British
rather than Germanic ancestry.
Reconstructed King List — East Saxons
While styled as kings from the reign of Sæbbi in 665 they are sub kings of the Mercians until being absorbed by Wessex in 825. The East Saxons are comparable to Lindsey in that both are assessed at 7,000 Hides in the Tribal Hidage and both become client kingdoms to Mercia in the 7th century.
| Dates | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 527–587 | Æscwine | Some sources use Erkenwine or Erchenwine. A 9th century genealogy lists seven previous generations back to the mythical Seaxnet. |
| 587–c.604 | Sledd | Sources are the preserved 9th century genealogy with later medieval writers providing dates. |
| c.604–c.616 | Sæberht | Recorded in several sources from the period primarily due to his conversion to Christianity in 604. |
| c.616–c.623 | Sexræd and Sæward | Both sons of Sæberht, ruled jointly. Both were pagan, suppressing Christianity. |
| c.623–653 | Sigeberht the Little | Son of Sæward. Also considered to be pagan and an ally of Penda. |
| c.653–660 | Sigeberht the Good | The kingdom was once again converted to Christianity. Sigeberht was baptised in the presence of Oswiu in Northumbria. He was murdered by his brothers. |
| 660–664 | Swithhelm | Converted to Christianity in 662 under Aethelwald of East Anglia. |
| 664–688 | Sighere | Ruled jointly with his cousin Sæbbi. Sighere returned to paganism. |
| 664–694 | Sæbbi | Ruled jointly with his cousin Sighere whom he outlived. Remained Christian, allied himself to Wulfhere of Mercia. Founded the original abbey at Westminster, abdicated in 694 becoming a monk, dying in 695. Buried at St Paul's in London. |
| 694–709 | Sigeheard & Swæfred | Sons of Sæbbi, ruled jointly with the king of Mercia as overlord. |
| 694–709 | Offa | Son of Sighere. Ruled alongside Sæbbi and Swæfred under Mercian overlordship. Abdicated and went on pilgrimage to Rome where he died as a monk. |
| 709–746 | Saelred | Descended from Sledd. Ruled jointly for a period with Swæfberht under Mercian overlordship. |
| 746–758 | Swithred | Son of Sæbbi. Ruled under Mercian overlordship. |
| 758–798 | Sigeric I | Son of Saelred. Ruled under Mercian overlordship. Abdicated and went on pilgrimage to Rome in 798. |
| 798–825 | Sigered | Son of Sigeric. By 812 recorded as Duke rather than King. In 825 surrendered the Kingdom to Egbert of Wessex. |
Reconstructed King List — South Saxons
Several gaps exist with no recorded history and there is no surviving genealogy. Charter evidence records individuals styled dux Suthsax (Duke of the South Saxons) or rex Suthsax (King of the South-Saxons). The South Saxons are comparable to Lindsey: both assessed at 7,000 Hides in the Tribal Hidage, both becoming client kingdoms to Mercia in the 7th century.
| Dates | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 477–c.514 | Ælle | And his sons Cymen, Wlenching and Cissa. The ASC records their landing with 3 ships in 477 at Selsy Bill. Bede records Ælle as the first Bretwalda. |
| c.660–c.686 | Æthelwealh | Baptised in Mercia under Wulfhere — the first Christian king of the South Saxons. Defeated and slain by Cædwalla. |
| 690s–700s | Nothlem / Nunna | Charter evidence as Nunna rex Suthsax. Claimed kinsman of Ine of Wessex. |
| 690s | Watt | Attests charters as Wattus rex. |
| 714 | Æthelstan | Attests charters as Æthelstan rex. |
| 740 | Æthelberht | Attests charters as Aethelbertus rex Sussaxonum. |
| 760–772 | Osmund | Issued his own charters as king and recorded in the ASC as King of the South Saxons. In 772 attested a charter of Offa of Mercia styled dux. |
| 772 | Oswald | Vassal of Offa of Mercia. Attests a charter of Offa as dux Suðsax. |
| 760s–70s | Oslac | Attested the charter of Offa in 772 as dux, and a later charter in 780 as Oslac dux Suthsaxorum. |
| 760s–70s | Ælfwald | Attested a charter from 765 as rex, then one under Offa of Mercia as dux in 772. |
| 760s–90s | Ealdwulf | Issued an undated charter (believed c.765) as Alduulf rex; in a later 791 charter styled dux Suthsaxonum. |
Anglo-Saxon Royal Genealogies
The Anglian Collection
Genealogies of seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms thought to be derived from a common source dating to the late 8th century.
Here are the genealogies of the Kings reigning in different places in the parts of Britain — title of the Vespasian B manuscript. The Anglian Collection provides lists for seven kingdoms. The text in black are the names recorded in the genealogy. The text in blue are recorded dates and high-level events occurring in their respective reigns. The text in red are additional recorded kings of each kingdom, constructing a king list for each kingdom allowing comparison with the hereditary lineage.
Taking Deira as an example, Edwin's lineage goes back through his father Aelle to the mythical Woden. Between the death of Aelle in 588 and Edwin regaining the kingdom in 616, Aelle's brother Athelric rules Deira until 604. Deira is united with Bernicia under Aethelfrith between 604 and 616. There are also multiple named individuals on the genealogy lists who do not reign as king, for example Aethelric and Eni of East Anglia.
The East Saxons and South Saxons are comparable to Lindsey in that all three are assessed at 7,000 Hides in the Tribal Hidage and all three become client kingdoms to Mercia in the 7th century.
Four Manuscript Versions
Vespasian B vi
British Library, Sir Robert Cotton Collection (1571–1631). Contains only six kingdoms — Wessex missing.
Corpus Christi College Cambridge MS 183
Parker Library, founded by Matthew Parker (1504–1575).
Tiberius B v
British Library, Sir Robert Cotton Collection (1571–1631).
Textus Roffensis
Manuscript held in the Rochester Cathedral Library.
Kingdom of Lindsey
Genealogy List
- Aldfrið Eating
- Eata Eanferþing
- Eanferþ Bisceoping
- Beoscep Beding
- Beda Bubbing
- Bubba Cædbæding
- Cædbęd Cwedgilsing
- Cwedgils Cretting
- Cretta Winting
- Winta Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
- Frealaf Frioþowulsing
- Freoþowulf Finning
- Finn Godwulfing
- Godwulf Geating
Lindsey is striking in that we don't have any recorded history for any of the names on its genealogy list. This has led some scholars to question its authenticity — is it a genuine genealogy comparable to the other six in the Anglian Collection?
Beoscep, or Biscop as spelt in the Vespasian B version, is of particular interest as some scholars believe this name could only exist post the conversion to Christianity; the etymology means "overseer" and in the Anglo-Saxon period we see Biscop being a title of Christian Bishops. We have a very specific date for the Conversion in Lindsey from Bede as 628.
If Beoscep is 7th century then Aldfrith, Eata and Eanferth must also be from this period. In the book two potential timelines are speculated upon: one assumes the Lindsey genealogy is a genuine father and son relationship; another assumes it is not father and son relationships but does represent people who reigned as kings of Lindsey.
Kingdom of Deira / Northumbria
Genealogy List
- Eadwine Ælling
- Ælle Yffing
- Yffe Uuscfreaing
- Uuscfrea Uuilgising
- Uuilgils Uuestorwaling
- Uuestorualcna Soemling
- Soemel Sæfuguling
- Sæfugel Sæbalding
- Sæbald Siggeoting
- Siggeot Suebdæging
- Suebdæg Siggaring
- Siggar Uuægdæging
- Uuegdæg Uuodening
- Uuoden Frealafing
King List
Edwin (born 586)
First wife Cwenburgh, daughter of Cearl of Mercia; second wife Aethelburg, daughter of Aethelberht of Kent. Became king in 616 following the Battle of the River Idle. Killed at the Battle of Hatfield in 633.
Aethelric (588–604)
Thought to be the brother of Aelle. Ruled Deira 588 (Bede records 597) – 604.
Aelle
ASC records him becoming king in 560 and "passed away" in 588.
Kingdom of Bernicia / Northumbria
Genealogy List
- Ecgfrið Osweoing
- Oswio Æðelfriðing
- Æþelfrið Æþelricing
- Æðelric Iding
- Ida Eopping
- Eoppa Oesing
- Oesa Æþelberhting
- Æðelberht Angengeoting
- Angengiot Alusing
- Alusa Ingebranding
- Ingebrand Wægbranding
- Wægbrand Beornicing
- Beornic Bældæging
- Bældæg Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
King List
Ecgfrith (born 645, king from 670)
First wife Aethelthryth, daughter of Anna of East Anglia; second wife Eormenburg. Fought the Picts 671, Wulfhere in 674, Aethelred in 679. Killed by the Picts in 685 at Dun Nectain.
Oswui (born 612, king from 642)
Son of Aethelfrith & Acha. Killed Penda in 655, died 670.
Oswald (born 604, king from 634)
Son of Aethelfrith and Acha. Married Kyneburga of Wessex. Killed Cadwallon in 634, conquered the Gododdin in 638, killed by Penda in 642.
Eanfrith (king 633–634)
Son of Aethelfrith and Acha. Killed by Cadwallon in 634.
Aethelfrith (king from 592)
Son of Aethelric. King of Bernicia from 592 then Northumbria from 604. Married Acha of Deira. Killed in 616 by Raedwald of East Anglia.
Ida (547–559)
King of Bernicia. Also: Hussa 585–592, Frithuwald 579–585, Theodric 572–579, Adda 560–568, Glappa 559–560.
Kingdom of Mercia
Genealogy List
- Æðelred Pending
- Penda Pybbing
- Pybba Creoding
- Creoda Cynewalding
- Cynewald Cnebbing
- Cnebba Icling
- Icel Eomæring
- Eomær Angengeoting
- Angengiot Offing
- Offa Wærmunding
- Wærmund Wihtlæging
- Wihtlæg Wioþolgeoting
- Weoþolgiot Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
King List
Aethelred (born 645, reigned 675–704)
Son of Penda, married Osthryth daughter of Oswui. Invaded Kent in 676, defeated Ecgfrith in 679. Retired to Bardney as Abbot in 704. Died and buried at Bardney 709.
Wulfhere (born 640, died 675)
Son of Penda. Came to power following the Mercian Revolt in 658 against Oswui. Defeated by Ecgfrith in 674.
Penda (born 606, died 655)
Son of Pybba. Fearsome pagan warrior who slew four other kings in battle: Edwin in 633, Oswald in 642, Sigeberht in 635, and Anna in 654. Killed by Oswui in 655.
Ceorl (606–626)
Daughter Cwenburg married Edwin of Deira when he was in exile in Mercia. Said to be a kinsman of Pybba.
Icel (reigned 515–535)
Son of Eomer, born in Denmark/Germany — home of the Angles. Landed in East Anglia, taking territory and creating the initial kingdom of Mercia.
Kingdom of East Anglia
Genealogy List
- Ælfwald Aldwulfing
- Aldwulf Æþelricing
- Æþelric Ening
- Eni Tyttling
- Tyttla Wuffing
- Wuffa Wehhing
- Wehh Wilhelming
- Wilfhelm Hrypping
- Hryp Hroðmunding
- Hroðmund Trygling
- Trygil Tytmaning
- Tytman Casering
- Caser Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
King List
Aelfwald (reigned 713–749)
Son of Ealdwulf, the last of the Wuffingas Dynasty.
Ealdwulf (reigned 664–713)
Son of Aethilric. Married to Hereswith, niece of Edwin of Northumbria.
Anna (reigned 636–654)
Son of Eni. Slain by Penda at the Battle of Bulcamp.
Raedwald (reigned 599–624)
Son of Tytila. Killed Aethelfrith of Northumbria in 616.
Aethelhere (reigned 654–655)
Son of Eni. Killed at Winwaed supporting Penda.
Kingdom of Kent
Genealogy List
- Æþilbriht Wihtreding
- Wihtred Ecgberhting
- Ecgberht Erconberhting
- Erconberht Eadbalding
- Eadbald Æþelberthing
- Æþelberht Eormenricing
- Eormenric Oesing
- Oese Ocging
- Ocga Hengesting
- Hengest Witting
- Witta Wihtgisling
- Wihtgisl Wægdæging
- Wægdæg Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
King List
Aethelberht II (reigned 725–762)
Son of Wihtred. Ruled jointly with his brothers Eadberht and Alric. Later under the Overlordship of the Mercian kings.
Wihtred (reigned 690–725)
Son of Ecgberht. Gained power following a struggle against the West Saxons. Reigned for 35 years.
Erconberht (reigned 640–664)
Son of Eadbald. Ordered the destruction of Pagan idols in the kingdom. Married Seaxburh of Ely, daughter of Anna of East Anglia.
Aethelberht I (reigned 565–616)
Son of Eormenric. Bretwalda and first Christian Anglo-Saxon King. Married Bertha, daughter of Charibert I, King of the Franks.
Hengist (c.455–488)
Although recorded by Bede, Nennius and the ASC as ruling Kent, scholars today believe this to be a mythical foundation story.
Kingdom of the West Saxons
Genealogy List
- Ine Cenreding
- Cenred Ceolwalding
- Ceolwald Cuþwulfing
- Cuþwulf Cuþwining
- Cuþwine Celing
- Celin Cynricing
- Cynric Creoding
- Creoda Cerdicing
- Cerdic Alucing
- Aluca Giwising
- Giwis Branding
- Brand Bældæging
- Bældæg Wodning
- Woden Frealafing
King List
Ine (born 670, reigned 689–726)
Son of Cenred. Abdicated to go to Rome. His sister Cuthburh married Aldfrith of Northumbria.
Caedwalla (reigned 685–688)
As King of Wessex, expanded the kingdom taking Sussex, Surrey, Kent and the Isle of Wight. Wounded on the Isle of Wight he abdicated, travelled to Rome, was baptized and died 10 days later.
Celin (reigned c.560–592)
Son of Cynric. Named as Bretwalda. Deposed by his nephew Ceol in 592, died in 593.
Cerdic (reigned 519–534)
The ASC states that he landed with his son Cynric in Britain in 495 with 5 ships. Created and was the first king of the West Saxons.
Reconstructed King List — East Saxons
While styled as kings from the reign of Sæbbi in 665 they are sub kings of the Mercians until being absorbed by Wessex in 825. The East Saxons are comparable to Lindsey in that both are assessed at 7,000 Hides in the Tribal Hidage and both become client kingdoms to Mercia in the 7th century.
| Dates | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 527–587 | Æscwine | Some sources use Erkenwine or Erchenwine. A 9th century genealogy lists seven previous generations back to the mythical Seaxnet. |
| 587–c.604 | Sledd | Sources are the preserved 9th century genealogy with later medieval writers providing dates. |
| c.604–c.616 | Sæberht | Recorded in several sources from the period primarily due to his conversion to Christianity in 604. |
| c.616–c.623 | Sexræd and Sæward | Both sons of Sæberht, ruled jointly. Both were pagan, suppressing Christianity. |
| c.623–653 | Sigeberht the Little | Son of Sæward. Also considered to be pagan and an ally of Penda. |
| c.653–660 | Sigeberht the Good | The kingdom was once again converted to Christianity. Sigeberht was baptised in the presence of Oswiu in Northumbria. He was murdered by his brothers. |
| 660–664 | Swithhelm | Converted to Christianity in 662 under Aethelwald of East Anglia. |
| 664–688 | Sighere | Ruled jointly with his cousin Sæbbi. Sighere returned to paganism. |
| 664–694 | Sæbbi | Ruled jointly with his cousin Sighere whom he outlived. Remained Christian, allied himself to Wulfhere of Mercia. Founded the original abbey at Westminster, abdicated in 694 becoming a monk, dying in 695. Buried at St Paul's in London. |
| 694–709 | Sigeheard & Swæfred | Sons of Sæbbi, ruled jointly with the king of Mercia as overlord. |
| 694–709 | Offa | Son of Sighere. Ruled alongside Sæbbi and Swæfred under Mercian overlordship. Abdicated and went on pilgrimage to Rome where he died as a monk. |
| 709–746 | Saelred | Descended from Sledd. Ruled jointly for a period with Swæfberht under Mercian overlordship. |
| 746–758 | Swithred | Son of Sæbbi. Ruled under Mercian overlordship. |
| 758–798 | Sigeric I | Son of Saelred. Ruled under Mercian overlordship. Abdicated and went on pilgrimage to Rome in 798. |
| 798–825 | Sigered | Son of Sigeric. By 812 recorded as Duke rather than King. In 825 surrendered the Kingdom to Egbert of Wessex. |
Reconstructed King List — South Saxons
Several gaps exist with no recorded history and there is no surviving genealogy. Charter evidence records individuals styled dux Suthsax (Duke of the South Saxons) or rex Suthsax (King of the South-Saxons). The South Saxons are comparable to Lindsey: both assessed at 7,000 Hides in the Tribal Hidage, both becoming client kingdoms to Mercia in the 7th century.
| Dates | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 477–c.514 | Ælle | And his sons Cymen, Wlenching and Cissa. The ASC records their landing with 3 ships in 477 at Selsy Bill. Bede records Ælle as the first Bretwalda. |
| c.660–c.686 | Æthelwealh | Baptised in Mercia under Wulfhere — the first Christian king of the South Saxons. Defeated and slain by Cædwalla. |
| 690s–700s | Nothlem / Nunna | Charter evidence as Nunna rex Suthsax. Claimed kinsman of Ine of Wessex. |
| 690s | Watt | Attests charters as Wattus rex. |
| 714 | Æthelstan | Attests charters as Æthelstan rex. |
| 740 | Æthelberht | Attests charters as Aethelbertus rex Sussaxonum. |
| 760–772 | Osmund | Issued his own charters as king and recorded in the ASC as King of the South Saxons. In 772 attested a charter of Offa of Mercia styled dux. |
| 772 | Oswald | Vassal of Offa of Mercia. Attests a charter of Offa as dux Suðsax. |
| 760s–70s | Oslac | Attested the charter of Offa in 772 as dux, and a later charter in 780 as Oslac dux Suthsaxorum. |
| 760s–70s | Ælfwald | Attested a charter from 765 as rex, then one under Offa of Mercia as dux in 772. |
| 760s–90s | Ealdwulf | Issued an undated charter (believed c.765) as Alduulf rex; in a later 791 charter styled dux Suthsaxonum. |