716AD. Coenred, or Cenred, (the name Coenred is derived from the old English ‘Coen’ meaning bold or fierce), was the son of Cuthwine and a member of the Leowaldings, a clan that claimed descent from Ida, via one of Ida’s sons Ocga. Coenred became the king of Northumbria after he and Ostric assassinated the previous king, Osred l.
Coenred ruled two years.Little is known of his reign and while nothing of note is recorded, it seems he manage to maintain, or at least did not do anything to interfere with, the gradual expansion of the kingdom to the west and north.
As to his lifestyle; the only mention of him is by William of Malmesbury. William a monk at Malmesbury Abbey wrote in his, “Gesta regum anglorum” (History of the English Kings) That Coenred was, “A draught from the same cup” as Osred. Meaning that he was no better than Osred and was as prone to cruel, murderous and licentious behaviour.
718AD. At Coenred’s death, he was succeeded by Osric, the brother or halfbrother of Osred.
