Ludeca of Mercia

Ludeca was King of Mercia, from 826 to 827 AD. He became king after the death of Beornwulf in battle against the rebellious East Angles, but he too was killed in another failed attempt to subjugate them in the next year.

The 'Anglo-Saxon Chronicle' simply states that he "was slain, and his five Ealdormen with him", but Florence of Worcester (who, incidentally carries the same two year error as the earlier 'Chronicles' - both place this event in 825 instead of 827) fleshes out the story: "Ludecan (Ludeca), king of the Mercians, mustered his forces and led an army into the province of the East Angles, for the purpose of taking vengeance for the death of king Beornulf (Beornwulf), his predecessor. He was quickly met by the natives and their king, who in a severe battle slew him and five of his Ealdormen, and very many of his troops, and put to flight the remainder. Wiglaf succeeded to his splendid kingdom."

Prior to his rule, he was mentioned in two charters from 824 as a dux under Beornwulf, also the Fitzwilliam Museum hold a coin minted during Ludeca's reign, It is thought the silver penny was minted at Ipswich and the moneyer's name was Wærbeald.

See also

• List of monarchs of Mercia

References

Preceded by Beornwulf

King of Mercia 826–827

Succeeded by Wiglaf