Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms

The Wihtware (Victuarri / The Isle of Wight)

It seems highly possible that British Inis Vectis was taken over by Jutish settlers from Hampshire in the mid-fifth century. The Meonware Jutes had seized territory near Southampton Water quite early in the process of settlement, and those of them who made the short journey across the Solent took the local place name, becoming known as the Wihtware, the people of Wight. The records of the West Seaxe later ascribed the conquest to themselves, but Jutish Ynys Weith probably didn't become their possession until it was seized in 530 by Cerdic and Cynric (although this event may be a later invention - the real date of the West Saxon invasion is more likely to be 686).

The Jutes' stronghold was Wihtgarabyrig, the fortress of the men of Wiht. The stronghold's former British name was forgotten, but it was almost certainly located at the same place, modern Carisbrooke Castle, which overlies a late Roman military structure which could well be a Saxon Shore fort.

530 - 534

The island is apparently ruled directly by Cerdic, king of the West Seaxe (according to their later records). Wihtgar is installed as a client king in 534, probably upon Cerdic's death. The Jutes of Wight retain probable family links to the royal house of the West Seaxe (Alfred the Great's mother descended from them), although these are more likely established after the 686 invasion.

534 - 544

Wihtgar

Buried at Wihtgarabyrig.

534 - 544

Stuf

The name, meaning stump, may have been a nickname.

544 - 661

The island's rulers are unknown; perhaps it is ruled directly by the West Seaxe, but it is just as likely that the island's Jutish inhabitants enjoy a period of peace and isolation from the mainland.

661

Wight is ravaged by Mercia, and is subsequently controlled by the Suth Seaxe.

685 - 686

Arwald

686

The West Seaxe ravage the island and annexe it to their kingdom as its inhabitants become the last Anglo- Saxons to accept Christianity.