[f] Brompton, p.

739.] Ercombert, though the younger son, by Emma, a French princess, found means to mount the throne.

He is celebrated by Bede for two exploits; for establishing the fast of Lent in his kingdom, and for utterly extirpating idolatry, which, notwithstanding the prevalence of Christianity, had hitherto been tolerated by the two preceding monarchs.

He reigned twenty-four years, and left the crown to Egbert, his son, who reigned nine years.

This prince is renowned for his encouragement of learning, but infamous for putting to death his two cousin germans, sons of Erminfred, his uncle.