In 754, King Cuthred of the West Saxons died.

His kinsman, Sigeberht, succeeded him.

One year later, however, Cynewulf and the witan deprived Sigeberht of his kingdom, making over to him only the petty principality of Hampshire, while Cynewulf himself reigned in his stead.

After a time Sigeberht murdered an ealdorman of his suite named Cymbra; whereupon Cynewulf deprived him of his remaining territory and drove him forth into the forest of the Weald.

There he lived a wild life till a herdsman met him in the forest and stabbed him, to avenge the death of his master, Cymbra.