Over a millennium after his reign, the mystery surrounding Cerdic, the founding father of Wessex, might be nearing an end. A recent investigation led by author Paul Harper has identified a potential burial site corresponding to the enigmatic king, offering a tangible link to this pivotal figure in post-Roman Britain.
Cerdic, a contemporary of the legendary King Arthur, emerged as a powerful warlord in the bloody conflicts of 6th century Hampshire. His reign, estimated between 519 and 534 AD, marked the foundation of Wessex, a kingdom that would evolve into the heart of England. However, Cerdic’s very existence has been debated by historians.
Harper’s investigation, inspired by the work of academic George Grundy, focused on a crucial piece of evidence: a 10th-century royal charter. This document, granted by King Edward the Elder to Winchester Cathedral, detailed land boundaries referencing “Ceardices Beorg” or “Cerdic’s Barrow” within the present-day parish of St Mary Bourne, Hampshire.
While the barrow itself has been leveled by plowing, aerial photographs captured in the 1960s and 70s offer a glimpse into the past. These images reveal a monumental structure – a barrow measuring a staggering 72 feet in diameter and reaching up to 12 feet high.
Cerdic’s origins remain shrouded in some ambiguity. While traditionally considered an Anglo-Saxon invader, his Brittonic name alongside those of his descendants hint at a more complex narrative, one that suggests interaction between Anglo-Saxon and native British cultures. Additionally, some scholars question the accuracy of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle’s dating of his reign.
“This discovery breathes life into the story of Cerdic, a figure from a lost period in British history,” enthuses Harper. “It offers compelling evidence that Cerdic was not a mere figment of imagination in the post-Roman chaos, but a real leader who established a powerful kingdom that ultimately laid the groundwork for England.”
Harper’s team meticulously traced landmarks mentioned in the ancient charter, including a “Willow Grove,” a “Barrow of the Ash Tree,” and a Roman Road. These elements pointed towards a location near Andover, Hampshire, as the most likely resting place of Cerdic. It is believed that Cerdic was laid to rest either in a newly constructed burial mound or a repurposed Bronze Age barrow, a practice commonly observed in the early Anglo-Saxon era.
The placement of Cerdic’s Barrow itself offers clues about his reign. The strategic location near ancient roads and a massive defensive ditch suggests a deliberate display of power, serving as a stark warning to potential rivals. References in the charter to wooded enclosures for deer hunting also imply a sentimental attachment Cerdic held for this corner of Hampshire.
Harper’s upcoming book delves deeper into Cerdic’s rise to power, exploring his navigation of the turbulent period following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. He details Cerdic’s leadership among the Gewisse people, who looked to him for protection against threats from rival Anglo-Saxon and Romano-British kingdoms. Despite facing unprecedented challenges like pandemics and natural disasters, Cerdic laid the foundation for a kingdom that would profoundly influence the course of British history.
Looking ahead, Harper hopes to secure permission from the landowner to conduct archaeological surveys at the site, potentially unearthing further evidence that sheds light on Cerdic’s legacy and reign. The potential excavation of Cerdic’s Barrow promises to be a significant development, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal figure who helped shape the destiny of England.