BattlefieldsSigeberht of East Anglia Murdered by Penda 635
Early Medieval

Sigeberht of East Anglia Murdered by Penda 635

635
Norfolk, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Norfolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Sigeberht of East Anglia
Forces
Mercian forces under Penda
VS
Victor
Penda of Mercia
Forces
East Anglian army with Sigeberht as figurehead
Outcome
Sigeberht killed; East Anglia defeated by Penda; Mercian pressure on East Anglia continues
The Battle

History & Significance

Sigeberht of East Anglia, who had introduced Christianity to his kingdom from Burgundy, was dragged out of his monastery by the East Angles to lead their army against Penda. He refused to carry weapons, carrying only a staff, and was killed. His death in battle against Mercia left East Anglia exposed to Penda's continuing aggression.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Norfolk

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near Norfolk