A former king forced to die without weapons

Sigeberht is a ruler of East Anglia who had abdicated to lead a monastic life before being recalled to face the invasion of the pagan king Penda of Mercia. He refused to carry weapons during this decisive confrontation and was killed on the battlefield alongside King Ecgric. This military defeat, which occurred around 636 or in the early 640s, decimated the East Anglian army.