Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England
c. 604–650: Baptism of Sæberht and heathen reaction from his sons

The first king of Essex to nominally convert to Christianity was Sæberht, who was baptised by Mellitus, one of Augustine's helpers, around 604 under the authority of Æthelberht of Kent who held overlordship over the East Saxons at the time. After this, a bishopric was set up by Mellitus in London which was part of the East Saxon kingdom at the time. It has been suggested that during this time, the individual found at the princely burial in Prittlewell could be Sæberht. In this case, it would date to the rule of Sexred and Sæward which may be supported by its combination of heathen and Christian practices, such as the burial being within a howe and containing grave goods such as drinking horns and two gold foil crosses. This syncretism is consistent with the time period in which there was significant ideological experimentation, although it is to be noted that the scarcity of information makes categorical identification of the individual not currently possible.
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