Description: (King of Kent)
Æthelberht was the King of Kent from about 589 until his death. He played a crucial role in converting the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, becoming the first English king to embrace the religion. During his reign, churches were founded, and widespread efforts to convert the population began. Æthelberht introduced a written code of laws for Kent, the earliest in any Germanic language, which included a system of fines. He also likely established royal oversight of trade and introduced coinage in Kent. He is honored as a saint for his significant contributions to the spread of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England.