Cerdic

Cerdic, also spelled Cerdis, Cerde, or Ceretic, is a semi-legendary figure described as the founder of the Kingdom of Wessex in the early Anglo-Saxon period. In traditional accounts, he and his son Cynric arrived in southern Britain from the continent and landed at a place called Cerdicesora, often identified with a site near the Solent region (Southampton Water). From there they fought the Britons and gradually extended West Saxon control, laying the foundations for the West Saxon kingdom.

Most of what is known comes from later medieval sources, including the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the genealogies attached to the West Saxon kings, written centuries after the events. They place Cerdic at the head of the West Saxons and make him the first king of Wessex; his reign is commonly dated to the early 6th century, with his death around the 530s or 540s. His son Cynric is said to have succeeded him and continued the expansion.

Historians caution that the historicity and dating are uncertain. The details—such as the landing at Cerdicesora and the exact territorial gains—likely mingle memory with later political purpose, and the sources about Cerdic were composed long after the supposed events. Nevertheless, Cerdic's portrayal as founder of the Wessex royal line was influential in medieval English royal genealogies and helped legitimize the West Saxon dynasty that ruled over much of southern England in the later periods.