Edbald King of Kent (616-640). Country: Great Britain

1. Edbald, King of Kent (616-640)
2. Controversy and Scandal
3. Decline and Turmoil
4. Redemption and Return
5. Consequences and Legacy

Edbald, King of Kent (616-640)

Edbald, son of Ethelbert I and Bertha, succeeded his father as King of Kent in 616. Despite his father's Christian upbringing, Edbald abandoned Christianity and embraced paganism.

Controversy and Scandal

Historian Bede the Venerable accused Edbald of marrying his own stepmother, an act considered incestuous according to Christian doctrine. However, some scholars argue that Edbald was a pagan and followed Germanic customs, where such marriages were not taboo.

Decline and Turmoil

Edbald's reign was a time of decline for the Kingdom of Kent. His lack of leadership and indolence allowed his father's conquered territories to rebel, particularly Mercia. Edbald's embrace of paganism also caused many converts to revert to their old beliefs, prompting Archbishops Mellitus, Justus, and Laurentius to flee to Gaul.

Redemption and Return

Under the influence of Archbishop Laurentius of Canterbury, Edbald eventually returned to Christianity. He annulled his marriage with his stepmother and married Emma, a Frankish princess. Edbald also invited Mellitus and Justus back to their churches in Kent. However, the citizens of London refused to accept Mellitus, preferring their pagan priests.

Consequences and Legacy

Despite his conversion, Edbald faced divine retribution according to Bede. He suffered from fits of madness and possession by an evil spirit. Edbald had three sons: Mildred from his first marriage, Ermenred and Earconbert from Emma, and a daughter, Eanswith. He forged an alliance with Northumbria by marrying his sister, Ethelburga, to King Edwin. Edbald ruled for 24 years before his death in 640.