Swæfred (also spelled Suebred or Swaefred) was a joint king of the Kingdom of Essex in the early 8th century, reigning alongside his brother Sigeheard from approximately 694 to 709. He succeeded their father, Sæbbi of Essex.
Reign and Political Context
Swæfred and Sigeheard inherited the throne jointly upon the death of their father Sæbbi around 694. In 705, the brothers became estranged from King Ine of Wessex after they sheltered his rivals to the throne. This conflict was resolved at the Synod of Brentford, where they agreed to banish Ine's rivals from Essex in exchange for Ine's promise not to attack Essex. The exact chronology of the later years of their rule is uncertain; it is not known whether they governed together until 709 or if Swæfred died before that year.
Charters and Land Grants
Swæfred is known to have issued several charters. He granted land in Nazeing for the establishment of a nunnery, though these charters survive only in later copies. He also issued a charter concerning land on the Dengie peninsula, granting 70 hides in the district called Deningei to Ingwald, Bishop of London. A charter relating to land in Twickenham (Sawyer number S65) is attributed to him; this document was once described as possibly spurious, though more recent scholars have concluded there is no reason to doubt its authenticity.
Succession
By 709, Offa (son of Sighere, who had been co-king with Sæbbi and later a rival) was at least heir apparent and perhaps joint ruler of Essex. Offa traveled with King Cenred of Mercia to Rome in that year and subsequently succeeded Swæfred and Sigeheard as king of Essex.
Sources
The principal sources for Swæfred's life are Anglo-Saxon charters preserved in later copies, the historical writings of Bede, and the Prosopography of Anglo-Saxon England.
