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Æthelberht of Kent

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Ethelbert, king of Kent (b.552 d.616) was the son of Eormenric whom he succeeded as king of Kent in 560 AD

He attempted at one stage to wrest the position of Bretwalda from Ceawlin of Wessex but was unsuccessful. His standing was advanced by his marriage with Bertha, daughter of Charibert, king of the Franks, and after Ceawlin's death he succeeded in acquiring Bretwalda.

The influence of Bertha, who had brought a Frankish priest with her as chaplain, may have led to the invitation to Pope Gregory I to send missionaries from Rome. Augustine arrived in Canterbury in 597.

He was later canonised.

Preceded by:
Ceawlin of Wessex

List of British monarchs

Succeeded by:
Rædwald of East Anglia