Page "Hwicce" Paragraph 16

It is likely that the Hwicce were converted to Christianity by Celtic Christians rather than by the mission from Pope Gregory I since Bede was well-informed on the latter yet does not mention the conversion of the Hwicce.

Though place-names show that Anglo-Saxon settlement was widespread in the territory, the limited spread of pagan burials, along with two eccles place-names that invariably identify Roman-British churches, suggests that Christianity survived the influx.

There are also probable Christian burials beneath Worcester Cathedral and St Mary de Lode Church, Gloucester.

So it seems that incoming Anglo-Saxons were absorbed into the existing church.

The ruling dynasty of the Hwicce were probably key figures in the process.

Perhaps they sprang from intermarriage between Anglian and British leading families.