Creoda of Wessex


Creoda is a shadowy figure in early Wessex history whose existence is disputed.

Introduction

The name Creoda appears in the Genealogical Regnal List that serves as preface to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, in the Annal of 855 and in Asser's Annals of the Reign of Alfred the Great. He is stated to have been the son of Cerdic and father to Cynric. However, the body of some manuscripts of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle omits any mention of Creoda and describes Cynric as the son of Cerdic. If he existed he may have ruled Wessex for a short period of time immediately after Cerdic's death.

Conflicting theories

If the historical existence of Creoda is admitted, there are a number of theories as to his identity and why he appears in some primary sources, but not others.
1) His inclusion in the genealogies was original, and his name was removed from some lists at a late date for dynastic and political reasons.
2) He was a contemporary of Cerdic and Cynric, but ruled the Thames Valley Saxons, while they ruled the Hampshire Saxons. He is seen as the ancestor of the later kings: Ceawlin, Caedwalla and Ine. At some late date Creoda was inserted into the Cerdicing line as the son of Cerdic, when descent from Cerdic became necessary for any king of Wessex.
3) Creoda has been confused with Cerdic and some of Cerdic's later activities have been misassigned in the texts, and were originally those of Creoda and Cynric.