One of the most stable Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, Wessex (in south-western England, roughly modern day Dorsetshire) was one of the first territories settled by the Saxons at the advent of their British invasion.
In John Hardyng’s chronicle, Arthur gives the area to Cheldric the Saxon after defeating Cheldric at the battle of Bath.
Wessex | History
Early History
Wessex, originally known as the Kingdom of the West Saxons, was founded in the sixth century by the West Saxon tribes. It was one of the many Anglo-Saxon kingdoms established after the departure of the Romans from Britain. The kingdom’s early history was marked by conflicts with neighboring kingdoms and battles with the indigenous Britons.
King Alfred the Great
Wessex gained prominence under King Alfred the Great, who reigned from 871 to 899. Alfred is one of the most famous rulers of Wessex and is credited with defending his kingdom against Viking invasions. He is known for his military victories, legal reforms, and efforts to promote education and learning.
Viking Invasions
Wessex faced numerous Viking raids during the ninth century. King Alfred’s successful defense efforts are seen as crucial in preserving the Anglo-Saxon culture and the Christian religion in the region.
Consolidation of England
Alfred’s descendants, including his son Edward the Elder and his grandson Athelstan, continued the expansion of Wessex and succeeded in uniting the various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms into a single Kingdom of England. Wessex was the dominant power in this unified realm.
Norman Conquest
In 1066, the Norman Conquest of England took place when William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. This event marked the beginning of Norman rule in England and the end of the Anglo-Saxon era, including Wessex as a distinct entity.
Legacy
While Essex is an independent kingdom disappeared, its influence lived on. The English language, culture, and legal system developed in Wessex had a lasting impact on the formation of the English nation. The use of Old English, as promoted by King Aflred, contributed to the development of the English language.
Source
John Hardyng’s Chronicle | John Hardyng, 1457–1464