King of East Anglia. He was born between 560 AD and 580 AD, and came to the throne in about 600 AD. St Augustine of Canterbury arrived in England on his mission from Rome during the early years of his reign, and he became the first East Anglian King to convert to Christianity. His conversion was not universally popular, and his devoutly pagan wife persuaded him to retract some of his commitment from it. He therefore kept two alters in his temple, one Christian and one pagan. He later gave protection to Edwin, an exiled claimant to the throne of Northumbria, but, after refusing offers of money from Aethelfrith, King of Northumbria for Edwin's death, was threatened with war if he did not surrender him. He remained loyal to Edwin, and marched north to confront Aethelfrith. Aethelfrith was killed, and Edwin was made ruler of Northumbria. Edwin's dept of gratitude ensured that he became the first East Anglian King to have influence in Northumbria. He ruled until his death in about 624 AD, and is commonly recognized as the likely owner of the famous ship burial at Sutton Hoo.
King of East Anglia. He was born between 560 AD and 580 AD, and came to the throne in about 600 AD. St Augustine of Canterbury arrived in England on his mission from Rome during the early years of his reign, and he became the first East Anglian King to convert to Christianity. His conversion was not universally popular, and his devoutly pagan wife persuaded him to retract some of his commitment from it. He therefore kept two alters in his temple, one Christian and one pagan. He later gave protection to Edwin, an exiled claimant to the throne of Northumbria, but, after refusing offers of money from Aethelfrith, King of Northumbria for Edwin's death, was threatened with war if he did not surrender him. He remained loyal to Edwin, and marched north to confront Aethelfrith. Aethelfrith was killed, and Edwin was made ruler of Northumbria. Edwin's dept of gratitude ensured that he became the first East Anglian King to have influence in Northumbria. He ruled until his death in about 624 AD, and is commonly recognized as the likely owner of the famous ship burial at Sutton Hoo.
Bio by: js
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