The various members
were involved in endless controversies with each other, often
breaking out into savage wars, and the Saxons were also exposed to
conflicts with their common enemies, the Britons. Their power was
greatly impaired by the civil strifes which distracted them.
This condition continued until it became essential that under a
strong hand a more solid union of the Saxons should be formed. And
it was to Egbert, King of the West Saxons, the son of Ealhmund,
King of Kent, that this great constructive task was committed. He
took the throne of Wessex in 802, for twelve years enjoyed a
peaceful reign, then became involved in wars, first with the
Cornish and afterward with the Mercians. His victories in these
wars resulted in the final establishment of his authority over the
entire heptarchy, and this made him in fact, though not in name,
the first real king of England.
When Brithric obtained possession of the government of Wessex, he
enjoyed not that dignity without inquietude.
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