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Sighere of Essex

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Sighere of Essex
King of Essex
jointly with Sæbbi
Reign663/4 – ca. 688
PredecessorSwithhelm
SuccessorSæbbi
SpouseOsgyth
IssueOffa of Essex
ReligionAnglo-Saxon polytheism

Sighere was the joint king of the Kingdom of Essex along with his cousin Sæbbi from 663/4 to about 688. He was son of Sigeberht Sæwarding, probably Saint Sigeberht, but perhaps Sigeberht the Little. He was outlived by Sæbbi, who became the sole ruler of Essex after his death. Sighere and Sæbbi were cousins of their predecessor Swithelm. While Sighere returned to paganism, Sæbbi remained Christian. They soon developed a rivalry. Sighere found an ally in Wessex, and Sæbbi with Mercia. As a result of their rivalry, King Wulfhere of Mercia established himself as overlord of Essex, and induced Sighere to marry Wulfhere's niece Osgyth, daughter of Frithuwold, sub-king of Mercia in Surrey. Jaruman, the bishop of Mercia, was assigned to reconvert the people of Essex to Christianity. In 673, Sighere separated from Osgyth, who then fled to the protection of Bishop Beaduwine of North Elmham. Sighere died about 688, and Sæbbi became sole ruler of Essex.[1]

References

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  1. ^ Chaney, William A. (1970). The Cult of Kingship in Anglo-Saxon England: The Transition from Paganism to Christianity. Manchester: Manchester University Press. p. 168.
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Preceded by King of Essex
664–683
ruled jointly with Sæbbi
Succeeded by