CENTWINE

died 685 king of the West Saxons, or Wessex (from 676), son of King Cynegils and brother of King Cenwalh. His reign was marked by renewed victories over the Welsh. Centwine was described by the contemporary writer Aldhelm as a strong king who won three battles, one presumably being that of 682, when he drove the Britons to the sea. Yet the Venerable Bede mentions a 10-year period of Wessex's division among subkings at the time Centwine is believed to have reigned, and Aethelred of Mercia held power in parts of Wessex during his reign as well. Centwine was succeeded by Caedwalla.