 Settlement of Kent by continental peoples , primarily Jutes , was complete by the end of the sixth century . Eadbald 's father , Æthelberht , probably came to the throne in about 589 or 590 , though the chronology of his reign is very difficult to determine accurately . Æthelberht was recorded by the early chronicler Bede as having overlordship , or imperium , over other Anglo @-@ Saxon kingdoms . This dominance led to wealth in the form of tribute , and Kent was a powerful kingdom at the time of Æthelberht 's death in 616 , with trade well @-@ established with the European mainland . 
