See Also: offa(dictionary)
Offa(encyclopedia)
Offa's Dyke(encyclopedia)
Offa's Dyke(dictionary)

Offa (sh)




died July 796

One of the most powerful kings in Anglo-Saxon England.

He became king of Mercia (757-796) after seizing power during a civil war. He extended his rule over most of southern England and married his daughters to the rulers of Wessex and Northumbria. Eager to form European diplomatic ties, Offa signed a commercial treaty with Charlemagne (796) and allowed the pope to increase his control over the English church. He built Offa's Dyke to divide Mercia from Welsh lands.