Sæward was the joint king of the Kingdom of Essex from 616? to 623? along with his brother Sexred after the death of their father Sæbert. Their father converted to Christianity in 604. After his death they repressed the Christian religion in favor of the indigenous English religion, allowing the worship of their people's native gods. They banished Mellitus, Bishop of London, from the kingdom after he refused them the sacramental bread. In 623(?) Sexred, Sæward and their brother were killed in a battle against the forces of Wessex. It is uncertain whether Sigeberht, son of Sæward, was their successor Sigeberht the Little or the latter's successor Sigeberht the Good. 617 deaths Sexred of Essex Anglo-Saxons killed in battle 7th-century English monarchs Year of birth unknown Anglo-Saxon pagans Monarchs killed in action