Research Notes:

Oisc (alternately Oeric, Aesc or Esc) was an early king of Kent who ruled for twenty-four years, from 488 to 516 (Gesta Regum Anglorum, Book I.8).

Little is known about him, and the information that does survive regarding his life is often vague and suspect. He seems to have been the son or the grandson of Hengest, who led the initial Anglo-Saxon conquest and settlement of Kent. According to Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People, Oisc's given name was Orric. Bede indicates that he was the son of Hengest, and came to Britain with him, with the permission of the British king Vortigern. He was the father of Octa, who succeeded him. His descendants called themselves "Oiscingas" after him.

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Bede names "Oeric cognomento Oisc" as son of "Hengist", adding that the kings of Kent were usually called "Oiscingas" after his name.... The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that in 455 Hengist and Horsa fought against King Vortigern at "Agælesfrep" [Aylesford] where Horsa was killed, adding that "after that Hengest succeeded to the kingdom and Æsc his son". The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that in 457 "Hengist and Æesc" fought against the Britons at "Crecganford" [Crayford] where they "slew four thousand men" after which "the Britons…forsook Kent and fled to London". The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that in 465 "Hengist and Æsc" fought against the Welsh near "Wippedesfleot" where they "slew twelve Welsh nobles". The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that in 473 "Hengist and Æesc" fought against the Welsh again. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that in 488 "Æsc succeeded to the kingdom and was king of the people of Kent twenty-four years" but does not say that this was when Hengist died. William of Malmesbury records that he was "more intent on defending than enlarging his dominions, never exceeded his paternal bounds".

William of Malmesbury reports that Œric died "at the expiration of twenty-four years [from his accession]". ^{2 3}