Wulfhere of Mercia

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Wulfhere (died 675) was King of Mercia from the end of the 650s until 675.

He was the first Christian king of all of Mercia, though it is not known when or how he converted from Anglo-Saxon paganism.

His accession marked the end of Oswiu of Northumbria's overlordship of southern England, and Wulfhere extended his influence over much of that region.

His campaigns against the West Saxons led to Mercian control of much of the Thames valley.

He conquered the Isle of Wight and the Meon valley and gave them to King AEthelwealh of the South Saxons.

He also had influence in Surrey, Essex, and Kent. He married Eormenhild, the daughter of King Eorcenberht of Kent.