Page "Eadburh" Paragraph 1

Eadburh was the daughter of Offa and Cynethryth.

She married Beorhtric, king of Wessex from 787 to 802, in 789.

Offa was then the most powerful king in England, and Beorhtric gained his support as a result of the marriage.

According to Asser, Eadburh became all powerful, and often demanded the executions or exile of her enemies.

She was also alleged to have assassinated those men whom she couldn't compel Beorhtric to kill through poisoning their food or drink.

In 802, according to the Asser, Eadburh attempted to poison a young favourite of the king but instead killed both of them.

The young man may have been called Worr, as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records the death of both men shortly before the succession of Egbert, the grandfather of Alfred the Great, as king of Wessex.