 Berkshire appears to have passed from Mercian to West Saxon control during Beorhtwulf 's reign . The Welsh are recorded to have rebelled against Beorhtwulf 's successor , Burgred , shortly after Beorhtwulf 's death , suggesting that Beorhtwulf had been their overlord . Charters from Beorthwulf 's reign show a strained relationship with the church , as Beorhtwulf seized land and subsequently returned it . 
