Cædwalla was the King of Wessex from approximately 685 until he abdicated in 688. His name is derived from the Welsh Cadwallon. He was exiled from Wessex as a youth and during this period gathered forces and attacked the South Saxons, killing their king, Æthelwealh, in what is now Sussex. Cædwalla was unable to hold the South Saxon territory, however, and was driven out by Æthelwealh's ealdormen. In either 685 or 686, he became King of Wessex. He may have been involved in suppressing rival dynasties at this time, as an early source records that Wessex was ruled by underkings until Cædwalla.
Cædwalla, king of Wessex (born 659)
Cædwalla, king of Wessex (born 659)
On April 20, in the year 689, Cædwalla, king of Wessex (born 659). This event is recorded as a Notable Deaths event in the history of April 20, one of 323 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Cædwalla. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on April 20, 689 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Deaths event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 2 Wikipedia articles.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 8 March 2026.
On This Date in History 323
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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