Wihtred

king of Kent

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Quick Facts

Died:: April 23, 725

Title / Office:: king (690-725), Kent

See all related content

Wihtred (died April 23, 725) was a king of Kent who came to the throne in 691 or 692 after a period of anarchy.

Wihtred was not sole king until 692 at the earliest, for Bede, the 8th-century historian, states that Swaefred, king of the East Saxons, was joint ruler in this year. Wihtred, however, seems to have become sole king by 694. At his death, 31 years later, he left the kingdom to his sons Aethelberht, Eadberht, and Alric.

During the fifth year of his reign (probably 695), Wihtred issued a code of laws in a council held at a place called Berghamstyde (Barham?). Copies of this code still exist.

Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon in Coronation Robes or Napoleon I Emperor of France, 1804 by Baron Francois Gerard or Baron Francois-Pascal-Simon Gerard, from the Musee National, Chateau de Versailles.

Britannica Quiz

Kings and Emperors (Part III) Quiz

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.