Ceol of Wessex

Ceol also spelled Ceola or Ceolric (20 April 557 – 16 October 597) was the King of Wessex from 592 until his assassination in 597. His reign is mostly known by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

Ceol
King of the West Saxons (more...)
Reign	21 October 592 – 16 October 597
Coronation	24 October 592
Predecessor	Ceawlin
Successor	Ceolwulf
Born	(557-04-20)20 April 557 Winchester, Wessex
Died	16 October 597(597-10-16) (aged 40) Winchester, Hampshire
Burial	20 October 597 Winchester Cathedral
Issue	Cynegils, King of the West Saxons
House	Wessex
Father	Cutha of Wessex
Mother	Cuthburga
Religion	Paganism

Early Life

Ceol was born on 20 February 557. His father was Cutha, who was the son of King Cynric and the younger brother of Ceawlin, who was the crown prince.

Ceol grew up learning archery, science, history, and fighting in battles. When he grew older, his battle skills improved, and he quickly rose through the ranks.

Reign

Revolt against Ceawlin

In 584, Ceol's father was killed, most likely on the orders of Ceawlin, who became the new king. Cutha attempted to overthrow him in the failed Revolt of 584 after Ceawlin accidentally killed Cutha's wife. Ceol was angry at his uncle for killing his father, whom Ceol loved so much. However, Ceawlin exiled Ceol and his family from Wessex. They lived in exile in Essex.

Seven years later, in November 591, Ceol raised troops against Ceawlin in Essex and started the Revolt of 591-592 against the king. Ceol and his troops captured every part of Wessex. They captured the many major cities in Wessex, including Dorchester and the capital, Winchester. Ceawlin was eventually overthrown and exiled in Tuam, Chonnacht (present-day Ireland).

Rule

Ceol, who was now king, was crowned on 25 June 592 at Winchester Cathedral. Ceol first rebuilt the kingdom, as it has been destroyed during the rebellion. He ordered the reconstruction of the towns in Wessex that has been damaged.

Ceol then planned to reform the country and improve his kingdon's literacy rate. He started more schools for young children to be educated. He expanded Wessex's army and the navy. He also created peace with neighbouring countries and stabilised Wessex. However, as for those who opposed his rule, Ceol would put them in prison. That made him became controversial, and many people began opposing his rule.

Downfall and death

Because Ceol became very controversial and put many people in prison, his younger brother, Ceolwulf, started the Revolt of 597 against Ceol and killed him. Ceolwulf eventually became the new king.

Legacy

Ceol has a great reputation. During his rule, Wessex became more powerful and the people would experience peace and prosperity. His son Cynegils would go on to become the King of Wessex after Ceol's younger brother, Ceolwulf, died in 611. Ceol was considered a great and a solid king.