What is meant by Heptarchy in the history of Britain?
Have you ever come across the word heptarchy? Well, it refers to a government or a ruling body composed of seven people. However, heptarchy has an altogether different connotation in British history. What is that now? In the context of British history, Heptarchy refers to a group of seven states (kingdoms) that existed in the Angle-Saxon Britain, i.e., from 7th century to 9th century. Historians refer to the term when they want to talk about Roman military officially withdrawing from the British Isles that led to the formation of a collective government comprising of seven British states: East Anglia, Essex, Kent, Mercia, Northumbria, Sussex and Wessex. However, it was not until the 16th century that the term ‘Heptarchy’ started being widely used in the context of British history. Here’s we shed light on the three most powerful states among these seven.
East Anglia
East Anglia was independently ruled during the 7th century. However, in the late 8th and early 9th century, East Anglia was part of Mercia. Later on, in 1066, it became a part of unified England. Till date, East Anglia is famous for its burial mounds, also known as Sutton Hoo, that are presumed to be filled with gold treasures and intricate metal works. They give us an insight into the Anglo-Saxon culture and society and its Christian and Pagan beliefs.
Kent
While all other states were either colonised by Angles or Saxons, it was only Kent that became home to the Jutes tribe. But Kent was a bit different from other British states. Unlike most other states, Kent was not formed out of an invasion, but as a result of a negotiated treaty between British warlord Vortigern and Kent founder brothers Hengest and Horsa. In fact, it was in Kent that the famous town of Canterbury was built, from where St. Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury belonged. Quick fact: Apart from London, Kent was the only place that was connected to the other parts of the European continent.
Northumbria
While all the other six states still continue to be a part of proper England, Northumbria is now part of Northern England and south-east Scotland. In fact, the then Northumbria stretched from Humber and Mersey rivers in the South of England to the Forth region in Scotland. Back then, when Heptarchy was formed, it was considered to be the most powerful kingdom. Northumbria still continues to have its significance as it happens to be the hometown of Bede an English monk, historian, and scholar who happened to live in the Kingdom of Northumbria between 673 AD-735 AD.