740. Æthelheard of Wessex dies
Cuthred succeeds to Wessex
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records Æthelheard's death in 740. (The eighth-century annals appended to Bede record the death in 739, but as these are Northumbrian rather than local West Saxon annals, and as a reign-length for Æthelheard of 14 years is recorded in the Chronicle and elsewhere, the date 740 is preferred.)
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle notes that Cuthred succeeded, without giving his lineage (which is not recorded elsewhere either), and adds that he fought stoutly against Æthelbald of Mercia. This can be seen in battles in 750 and probably 752. He also fought against the Britons in 743 (probably as a subordinate of Æthelbald of Mercia) and 753, and against one of his ealdorman in 750. He died in 756.