Career
Bede writes that after the death of King Cenwalh in 672: "his under-rulers took upon them the kingdom of the people, and dividing it among themselves, held it ten years". Æscwine reigned from about 674 to 676. Another source claims that Æscwine"s father, Cenfus (Old English: Cēnfūs), ruled for two years after Seaxburh.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle supplies a genealogy, making him a fifth-generation descendant of Cynric.
Bede"s dismissal of Æscwine as a mere sub-king may represent the views of the supporters of the King Ine of Wessex, whose family ruled Wessex in Bede"s time, as Ine"s family were bona fide descendants of Cynric through Ceawlin"s son Cuthwine. In 675, Æscwine defeated an invasion of Wessex led by the Mercian King Wulfhere at Biedanheafde, a location which has not been certainly identified.
Æscwine was succeeded by Centwine of Wessex.
