Our Session IPA: The West Saxon
We are so proud of our punchily refreshing Session IPA, The West Saxon. It’s creation was inspired by the vivid history of the Kingdom of Wessex that once ruled large swathes of southern England, which our founder Kirk unearthed on his travels around this region (read more about Kirk’s Wessex adventure here). Find out more about our tasty IPA’s origins below!
The West Saxons, or Wessex for short, were a key Anglo-Saxon kingdom that emerged in the early medieval period approximately around the 6th century. The kingdom was founded by King Cerdic who reigned for circa 15 years followed by his son Cynric, together working in turn to establish their rule in what is now southern England. The Kingdom of Wessex gradually expanded its territory through conquest and alliances, becoming one of the most powerful kingdoms in England.
In the 9th century, Wessex faced significant challenges from frequent Viking invasions. Under the leadership of King Alfred the Great (871-899), the West Saxons successfully resisted several of these invasions, establishing a system of fortified towns and a robust navy. King Alfred is often celebrated for his cultural and educational reforms, which helped lay the incredibly important groundwork for a unified England.
Throughout the 10th century, Wessex continued to strengthen its influence and under King Edward the Elder (as well as his successors), the kingdom played a crucial role in the unification of England by bringing together several fragmented Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in solidarity against Viking incursions. By the late 10th century, Wessex had become the dominant power in England and following the decisive victory over Scandinavian invaders at the Battle of Brunanburh, King Æthelstan (924-939) became the first ruler in history to hold the title Rex Anglorum (King of the English).
The West Saxons left a lasting legacy in England, particularly through their contributions to language, law, governance, and the establishment of the Church. Their history forms a vital component of the broader narrative of Anglo-Saxon England, as well as the evolution of the contemporary United Kingdom.