King Egbert (Ecgberht) ruled from 802-839, and is thought to be descended from the founder of Wessex, Cerdic (514-534), despite being the son of a Kentish noble. He was sent into exile by Offa, and resided at the court of Charlemagne. Upon his return, Egbert took back Wessex and conquered Mercia, Kent and Cornwall. Later, he was acknowledged as ruler of Northumbria, East Anglia and Sussex and would become known as Bretwalda, ruler of the British.

King Offa was the most powerful ruler of Mercia from 757-796. He is best known for the vast defensive earthwork, Offa's Dyke, which was built along the Welsh/English border. Self-proclaimed King of the English (Englisc), he defeated Kent, the East and West Saxons and the Welsh to become overlord of southern England.