Sledd of Essex

Sledd of Essex, a sovereign of the East Saxons, is believed to have reigned during the late sixth century, possibly from five hundred eighty-seven to around six hundred four. His legacy is shrouded in mystery, with scant historical records detailing his life and reign.

According to an East-Saxon genealogy preserved in the British Library, Sledd is identified as the son and successor of King Æscwine. However, later historians such as Henry of Huntingdon, Roger of Wendover, and Matthew Paris have suggested that Eorcenwine may have been his father. Despite the centuries that separate these accounts from Sledd's time, they likely drew upon earlier, pre-Conquest sources.

While some genealogies attribute the foundation of the kingdom to Æscwine or Eorcenwine, others, including those by William of Malmesbury and John of Worcester, position Sledd as the first king of Essex. This indicates that he may have been viewed as the founder of the East Saxon dynasty. Notably, Wendover and Paris claim that Sledd succeeded his father upon his death in five hundred eighty-seven.

Sledd's marriage to Ricula, the sister of King Æthelberht of Kent, further solidified his royal connections. He was the father of Sæberht, who began his rule around six hundred four, and another son, Seaxa. The descendants of Seaxa would later supplant those of Sæberht in the mid-eighth century, although the exact lineage remains uncertain.