Cenwulf came to power after the death of Offa's son, Egfrith (distantly related). Cenwulf invaded Kent and installed his brother, Cuthred as King of Kent. He also attempted to gain power over the East Angles. He also raided the Welsh and as his power grew came to call himself "emperor", the first to do so since Charlemagne. Cenwulf was a strong king with a vicious and uncontrollable temper.