Sæward was the joint king of the Kingdom of Essex from 616 to 617 along with his brother Sexred after the death of their father Sæbert. Their father converted to Christianity in 604. After his death they repressed the Christian religion in favor of the indigenous English religion, allowing the worship of their people's native gods. They banished Mellitus, Bishop of London, from the kingdom after he refused them the sacramental bread. In 617 Sexred and Sæward were killed in a battle against the forces of Wessex. Sæward's son Sigeberht succeeded them as king of Essex.