Ceawlin was the son of King Cynric of Wessex. In 556, the two fought the Britons at Beranbury. In 560, Cyrnic died, and Ceawlin undertook the government. In 568, Ceawlin and his brother Cutha fought King Æthelberht of Kent. In 577, Ceawlin fought the Britons and slew three kings: Commail, Condida, and Farinmail at Derham, taking Gloucester, Cirencester, and Bath. In 584, Ceawlin and Cutha fought the Britons at Fretherne, and there Cutha was slain. In 593, Ceawlin and his brother Cwichelm died, and Wessex passed to Ceol, his nephew.