Beorhtric of Wessex

Beorhtric (also Brihtric; meaning 'Magnificent ruler') was the King of Wessex from 786 to 802, succeeding Cynewulf.

Beorhtric was a close ally of Offa, King of Mercia. In 787 Beorhtric held the Synod of Chelsea jointly with Offa, and in 789 he married one of Offa's daughters, Eadburh. Land that had traditionally been on the borders of Mercia and Wessex were administered by the Mercian court, as is seen in Charters of Offa, and his son Ecgfrith. West Saxons seem to have used Offa's currency: a recent survey of early medieval single coin finds reveals a trail of Offa pennies running from the Upper Thames to Wareham, a site connected with Beorhtric.