Ceonhwærfs

Ceonhwærfs were a group of Anglo-Saxon mercenaries or warriors who appear in historical records, notably in relation to the kingdom of Mercia. The name itself is Old English and can be interpreted as "king's exiles" or "king's wanderers," suggesting a status of individuals who had been banished or were serving abroad.

Their primary historical mention comes from the early 9th century, specifically during the reign of King Wiglaf of Mercia. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that Wiglaf was temporarily expelled from Mercia by King Ecgberht of Wessex. During this period of Wiglaf's exile, the Ceonhwærfs are described as having taken control of Mercian territory. This suggests they were a force capable of asserting authority and holding land, likely due to their military strength.

The exact composition and origins of the Ceonhwærfs are not definitively known. They may have been disaffected nobles, exiled warriors from Mercia, or even foreign soldiers of fortune who found themselves in a position of power during a time of political instability. Their presence highlights the complex political landscape of Anglo-Saxon England, where shifting alliances and the movement of armed groups were common. After Wiglaf's return to power, the Ceonhwærfs presumably lost their influence or were dispersed.