Strictly speaking, the horizon of historical credibility in Wuffing genealogy extends no further than the generation of Rædwald. Genealogical relations can be reasonably ascertained down to the death of Ælfwald (AD749).

According to the sources, Tyttla, the ‘son’ of Wuffa, was the father of Eni and RÆDWALD (died c.625). Rædwald was married to an unnamed queen and had at least two sons, Rægenhere (killed c.617) and EORPWALD (killed c.627). Eorpwald’s bane and possible successor was RICBERHT.

By about the year 630, Rædwald’s probable step-son SIGEBERHT appears to have ruled at least part of East Anglia before abdicating in favour of his kinsman ECGRIC or ÆTHELRIC. Both were killed in battle by Penda of Mercia around the year 640.

They were succeeded in turn by Æthelric’s three brothers: ANNA (or ONNA), who was himself also killed in battle by Penda of Mercia (c.654); ÆTHELHERE, who died in battle as Penda’s ally (c.655); and ÆTHELWALD, whose reign (c.655-64) appears to have marked the beginning of a more peaceful phase of Wuffing history.

The long reign of EALDWULF (c.664-713) followed until he was succeeded by his son ÆLFWALD (c.713-49)

© Copyright Dr Sam Newton AD 2000, 2014

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