The ‘Mercian Supremacy’ In The Age Of Offa And Coenwulf
Rory Naismith
In 1918, the great historian Sir Frank Stenton was first to designate period from time of Penda (d. 655) Coenwulf as ‘Mercian supremacy’ (Stenton 1918; cf. Keynes 2005, 1–7): a century and half during which kingdom Mercians, with its heartland in region around Tamworth Lichfield, exercised hegemony over England south Humber. The long reigns Æthelbald (716–57), Off (757–96) (796–821) saw high-water mark Mercian power. Charlemagne negotiated peer, king's influence thought stretch all way Rome (Wallace-Hadrill 1971, 98–123; Story 2003). England, dyke marking western frontier completed augmented (Hill Worthington Military campaigns subdued resistance Sussex 771 pacified king West Saxons 779. kings also mounted several expeditions against Welsh (Charles-Edwards 2001).
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