Cerdic, the Saxon Chieftain who founded the Kingdom of Wesses is also considered the virtual founder of the British
Monarchy. Earlier genealogy is considered legendary. The only qualification for kingship in early days was that they
should be descended from Cerdic. Otherwise, fitness to rule was the only other factor taken into consideration. The
genealogy prior to Cerdic should be considered a reignal one and not one of blood; as this always borders on legend.
Recorded as the first king of the West Saxons, he landed near Southampton in 494 and fought the Britons for control
of the area. He is known to have killed a British king in 508 and had a further victory at Charford on the Avon in
519. By 530 he also had control of the Isle of Wight. Asser traces Alfred the Great's pedigree back from Cerdic to
Wodin and the old Germanic gods.