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Sighere of Essex

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Reign
  
664-683

Religion
  
Anglo-Saxon polytheism

Parents
  
Sigeberht the Little

Issue
  
Son

Spouse
  

Successor
  
Saebbi

Died
  
683 AD

Predecessor
  
Swithelm

Name
  
Sighere Essex

Children
  
Offa of Essex

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 his 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.

References

Sighere of Essex Wikipedia


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