Wiglaf of Mercia

Biography

Wiglaf was King of Mercia, ruling from 827 to 829 and again from 830 until his death in 839. His ancestry is unclear, as he came to power during a time of significant dynastic struggles in Mercia, making the genealogies of several kings unknown today. However, his grandson Wigstan was noted to be a descendant of Penda of Mercia, hinting that Wiglaf might have been related to one of Mercia's most powerful rulers from the seventh century. Wiglaf became king after King Ludeca's death, who was killed while fighting East Anglia. His reign happened during Wessex's rise under King Ecgberht, who increasingly threatened Mercian power. In 829, Ecgberht managed to drive Wiglaf from the throne and controlled Mercia for about a year, marking a significant blow to Mercian independence. Wiglaf regained his kingdom in 830, probably through military force, though he might have stayed under Ecgberht's influence. During his rule, Mercia couldn't reclaim the southeastern kingdoms it lost, but Berkshire and possibly Essex returned to Mercian control. The changing fortunes between Mercia and Wessex during this time might have been influenced by support from the Carolingians, affecting both Ecgberht's rise and Mercia's comeback. Even though Wiglaf seemed to restore Mercian independence, this was short-lived, as later in the ninth century, Mercia would be divided between Wessex and Viking forces. Wiglaf died around 839 and was succeeded by Beorhtwulf, although one account suggests that his son Wigmund might have briefly taken the throne in between.