Offa of Essex

[1] Simon Keynes dates it c.694 to 709, when he went on a pilgrimage to Rome, where he died as a monk, along with Cenred, King of Mercia.

[2] In his Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, Bede described him as "a youth of most lovely age and beauty, and most earnestly desired by all his nation to be their king.

He also, when they came to the holy places at Rome, receiving the tonsure, and adopting a monastic life, attained the long wished-for sight of the blessed apostles in heaven.

"[3] A charter related to land in Warwickshire (S64) is attributed to him, although in it he is described as King of Mercia rather than Essex.

[5] By charter S 1784 dated 704-9, which is probably authentic, Offa grants land in Hemel Hempstead to Waldhere, bishop of London.