Burgred (852-874) was the last independent king over the whole of Mercia. His coinage was richer than that of his predecessors; from 871 it deteriorated, however. The coins were struck in London and always bore the king's name and title, here BURGRED REX I; the obverse depicts Burgred's bust. The reverse gives the name of the moneyer, MON / HUSSA / ETA, on three lines. In the year 872, the Danes conquered London from their base in Nottingham; then they advanced further, and in 874 subjugated Mercia. Burgred was forced to abdicate and abandon his kingdom. He escaped to Rome and died there without ever seeing his native country again.