Offa

King of Mercia ( 757 - 796 ) ( d 796 ). Offa was a powerful leader of the Mercian's who gained power following the civil war following the death of his cousin, Aethelbald. His status was such, that he was declared bretwalda. By careful, planned marriages of his daughters to the kings of Wessex and Northumbria, he was able to extend his influence. So much so that Pope Adrian I spoke of him as, king of the English. The power of Mercia enabled Offa, with the Popes blessing, to create an archbishop at Lichfield in opposition to Canterbury. He is famous for Offa's dyke, which he may or may not have built, to keep the Celtic Welsh in their country. He also minted coins which bore his name but not necessarily his face. He was an avid trader with mainland Europe, especially friendly with Charlemagne.