The modern county of Essex was a kingdom in the Dark Ages. It included London and Middlesex. The name Essex means 'Land of the East Saxons'. It was settled by Saxons from North-West Germany coming up the River Thames. The first king was a man named Aescwin. He lived in the mid-6th century. He claimed that the Saxon god, Saxnot, was his ancestor. The kings probably lived at Cripplegate in London. Their Royal monastery was at St. Paul's Cathedral. The kings often shared their kingdom between brothers. The most famous King of Essex was King Saebert. He became a Christian. He helped St. Mellitus set up St. Paul's Cathedral in London. He died in AD 617 and it is said he was buried in Westminster Abbey. However, he was probably buried in the Royal grave excavated at Prittlewell.