Wessex

One of the seven kingdoms from which England was formed in the 9th Century. Wessex is situated in the south and south west of the country. There are conflicting legends regarding the foundation of the Kingdom, involving Cynric and Cynwulf, or Port and his son. The expansion of Wessex into present day Devon lead to the increase in the Wessex kings power. The Burghal system under Alfred the Great helped to prevent the overrunning of the south of England by the Danish invaders.(Vikings?)