Æthelbert

Æthelbert, also known as Aethelbert or Ethelbert, was a King of Kent who reigned from approximately 560 to 616 AD. He is a significant figure in early English history, primarily due to his conversion to Christianity and his role in the subsequent Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England.

Born around 550 AD, Æthelbert inherited the throne of Kent from his father, King Hlothhere. Kent was one of the most powerful Anglo-Saxon kingdoms at the time, situated in a strategic location across the English Channel. His reign saw Kent assert its dominance over neighboring kingdoms.

A pivotal moment in Æthelbert's reign was the arrival of Augustine of Canterbury in 597 AD. Sent by Pope Gregory the Great, Augustine's mission was to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. Æthelbert, whose wife Bertha was already a Christian Frankish princess, welcomed Augustine and allowed him to preach. He eventually converted to Christianity himself, a decision that had profound implications for the future of England.

Following his conversion, Æthelbert established the first church in Canterbury and became a patron of the new faith. He issued a law code, often considered the first written law in Old English, which provided a framework for justice within his kingdom. His influence extended beyond Kent, and he is sometimes referred to as the "King of the English" for his overlordship of other Anglo-Saxon rulers. Æthelbert died in 616 AD and was succeeded by his son, Eadbald. His legacy is tied to the establishment of Christianity in England, which profoundly shaped the cultural and religious landscape of the country for centuries to come.