Ælla of Deira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ælla |
|
|---|---|
| King of Deira | |
| Reign | c. 560–588 |
| Successor | Æthelric |
| Died | 588 |
| Issue | Edwin Acha |
| Father | Yffe |
Ælla or Ælle was an early king of the Angles, a Germanic people who settled in Britain. He ruled the kingdom of Deira from about 560 until he died in 588. Deira was one of the kingdoms that later formed Northumbria in northern England.
About King Ælla
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, an old record of English history, says Ælla became king in 560. His kingdom was called Deira. At that time, the region we now call Northumbria was actually split into two kingdoms: Deira and Bernicia.
Ælla was likely a pagan, meaning he did not follow Christianity. A famous story tells of Pope Gregory the Great seeing some English boys in a market in Rome. He supposedly said they looked like 'angels' and that 'Alleluia' (a Christian song of praise) should be sung in their land, referring to Ælla's kingdom.
The End of His Reign
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle states that Ælla "passed away" in 588. After Ælla's death, his family had to leave Deira. This happened because the rulers of Bernicia took control of the kingdom.
Ælla's Family
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle names Ælla's father as Yffe. It also traces his family line back to Woden, a god from old Germanic beliefs.
Ælla had two children who are known from historical records:
- Edwin
- Acha
Edwin went into exile after his father's death. However, he later became a very important king, ruling both Deira and Bernicia. Acha also went into exile. She eventually married Æthelfrith, who was the king of Bernicia. Ælla also had at least one brother named Ælfric.
See Also
