St. Offa of Essex, King

15 December

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Died c. 709. Saint Bede (f.d. May 25) recalls that Saint Offa, the son of King Sighere of the East Saxons and Saint Osyth (f.d. October 7) (which is interesting because she is recorded as a virgin), was a loveable, handsome, and popular prince. He ascended to the throne about 707 and two years later left his wife and homeland to be tonsured at Rome. He died as a monk very shortly thereafter. Although several sources attest to his betrothal to Cyneswith, daughter of King Penda of Mercia, it is chronologically impossible. It may also be the case that he was forced to abdicate due to a palace revolt as often happened in Britain and Gaul during this period (Farmer).

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content © 2008, Ambrose Mooney
layout © 2008, Kathleen Hanrahan and Mo! Langdon
Page last updated: 13 December 2008
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