Cynethryth (Cyneðryð; died after AD 798) was a Queen of Mercia, wife of King Offa of Mercia and mother of King Ecgfrith of Mercia. Cynethryth is the only Anglo-Saxon queen consort in whose name coinage was definitely issued.

Cynethryth was queen consort to the Anglo-Saxon King Offa of Mercia. There is very little in recorded history about her but from what evidence we have, she was highly influential in the administration of her husband’s kingdom and like many royal mothers, she worked diligently to further the interests of her children.

Cynethryth (fl. 736–796) Queen of Mercia. Flourished 8th century; married Offa II, king of Mercia, around 756; children: at least three, including Eadburgh (c. 773–after 802) and possibly Etheldreda (d. around 840).

Nov 17, 2021 · Queen Cynethryth has been remembered as a scheming, conniving murderess with a thirst for power to rival her husband’s, and in one legend her machinations are even said to have led to her being cast adrift at sea for unspecified crimes. But was this the whole story?

Mar 6, 2025 · This article explores how kinship impacted upon the careers of two powerful queens of Mercia: Cynethryth, wife of King Offa (757–796) and Æthelswith (d. 886), wife of Burgred (r. 852–874). Cynethryth is chiefly remembered for her unique appearance on coins and the witnessing of royal charters.

Aug 2, 2022 · The new excavation is on the site of a monastery led by the powerful Queen Cynethryth, who ruled the kingdom of Mercia with her husband King Offa in the late 8 th century.

Apr 24, 2024 · While medieval women did not have extensive rights, there were definitely exceptions to the rule: one of them being Cynethryth, Queen of Mercia and wife of King Offa. …

Aug 19, 2021 · Cynethryth is the only Anglo-Saxon queen known to be depicted on a coin—a rarity anywhere in Western Europe during the period. She died sometime after AD 798.

Nov 28, 2018 · Queen Cynethryth had an exalted status during her husband’s reign and enjoyed seeing her son succeed his father, a rarity in 8th-century Mercia. Yet she would also see the dynasty she and her husband desired fall apart.

Aug 20, 2021 · Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a long-lost monastery where early medieval queen Cynethryth presided as abbess in the late seventh century C.E.