BattlefieldsCoenwulf of Mercia Campaigns against Kent 798
Early Medieval

Coenwulf of Mercia Campaigns against Kent 798

798
Kent, England
Also known as: Mercian sacking of Kent 798 · Coenwulf ravages Kent
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Kent (Eadberht Praen)
Forces
Kentish forces
VS
Victor
Mercia (Coenwulf)
Forces
Mercian army
Outcome
Eadberht Praen captured, blinded and imprisoned; Kent firmly under Mercian control
The Battle

History & Significance

Eadberht Praen had seized the Kentish throne and briefly re-established Kentish independence after Offa death. Coenwulf invaded, captured Eadberht, had him blinded and imprisoned in a Mercian monastery. The ecclesiastical dimension was important: Eadberht was a former cleric, and blinding was considered a canonical punishment. Kent was restored to Mercian subjection.

Casualties & Losses

Eadberht captured and blinded

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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