In 685 two events strengthened Mercia's power: Kent was plunged into a civil war in which Hlothhere perished, and Ecgfrith of Northumbria was killed in an expedition against the Picts.
En 685 dous acontecementos fortaleceron o poder de Mercia: Kent viuse mergullado nunha guerra civil na que Hlothhere pereceu, e Ecgfrith de Northumbria morreu nunha expedición contra os pictos.