Æthelfrith facts for kids

The main Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms in the 7th century.

Æthelfrith (died around 616 AD) was a powerful king in early England. He ruled the kingdom of Bernicia starting around 593. Later, in 604, he also became king of the nearby land of Deira. This made him the first king to rule both areas. These two kingdoms eventually joined to form the larger kingdom of Northumbria. Æthelfrith was famous for his many victories in battles. He fought against the Celtic Britons and the Gaels from Dál Riata (in modern-day Scotland). Even though he was killed in battle, his family later regained control of Northumbria in the 630s.

Who Was King Æthelfrith?

Æthelfrith was the son of Æthelric and the grandson of Ida. Ida was the first known king of Bernicia. Æthelfrith became king of Bernicia around 592 or 593. Before him, not much is known about the Bernician rulers. Historians see Æthelfrith as a very important figure. He is often called the true founder of the historic Northumbrian kingdom. He was also remembered as the first great leader among the northern Angles.

Æthelfrith's Rise to Power

When Æthelfrith became king, it might have caused some family disagreements. Some relatives of the previous king, Hussa, may have been sent away. Around 604, Æthelfrith took control of Deira. This was a big step in forming Northumbria. It's not fully clear how he gained Deira. It might have been through conquest. The son of Deira's former king, Edwin, had to leave the kingdom.

Great Victories and Battles

Æthelfrith was known for his military strength. A historian named Bede wrote about his successes. Bede said Æthelfrith conquered more lands from the Britons than any other English leader. He either made them pay taxes or drove them out. He then settled English people in those areas. The Britons called him Flesaur, which means "the twister" or "whirlpool." This name showed how powerful and destructive he was in battle.

• Battle of Catraeth: Around 600 AD, Æthelfrith might have destroyed a British army at Catraeth. This battle is mentioned in an old poem called Y Gododdin.
• Battle of Degsastan: In 603, Áedán mac Gabráin, the Irish king of Dál Riata, led a huge army against Æthelfrith. Even though Æthelfrith had fewer soldiers, he won a massive victory at a place called Degsastan. Most of Áedán's army was killed, and Áedán himself escaped. This victory was so complete that Irish kings in Britain did not attack the English again for a long time. However, Æthelfrith's brother, Theodbald, was killed in this battle.
• Battle of Chester: Later in his rule, between 613 and 616, Æthelfrith attacked the Kingdom of Powys. He defeated their army in a battle near Chester. The king of Powys, Selyf Sarffgadau, was killed. Æthelfrith also attacked a group of monks from Bangor-Is-Coed. They were praying to help the Britons. Æthelfrith ordered them to be killed, saying they were fighting him with their prayers. About 1200 monks were killed. After this, Æthelfrith won the battle against the British army. This victory was important because it separated the Britons in Wales from those further north.

Marriage and Family

Around 604, Æthelfrith's son Oswald was born. Oswald's mother was Acha of Deira. She was the daughter of Ælla of Deira, the former king of Deira, and thus Edwin's sister. It is believed that Æthelfrith married Acha. This marriage might have helped him gain control of Deira or strengthen his position there.

Æthelfrith also gave the town of Din Guaire to his wife Bebba. The town was then named Bamburgh after her. She was likely his first and most important wife.

Rivals and Downfall

Æthelfrith had rivals, especially Edwin, the son of the former king of Deira. Edwin had to live in exile, moving between different kingdoms to stay safe. He eventually found protection with Rædwald, the king of East Anglia.

Æthelfrith tried to get Rædwald to kill Edwin or hand him over. He sent messengers with money and threats of war. At first, Rædwald was tempted, but his wife convinced him that it would be dishonorable.

Instead, Rædwald gathered an army and marched against Æthelfrith. Around 616, Æthelfrith was defeated and killed at the Battle of the River Idle. Bede says Æthelfrith had a smaller army because Rædwald attacked quickly. After Æthelfrith's death, Edwin became king of both Deira and Bernicia. Æthelfrith's sons, Eanfrith, Oswald, and Oswiu, had to flee north.

However, Æthelfrith's family eventually returned to power. After Edwin was killed in 633, Æthelfrith's son Eanfrith briefly ruled Bernicia. Later, Oswald brought Æthelfrith's family back to power in both Bernicia and Deira. Æthelfrith's descendants continued to rule Northumbria for many years.

Family

Æthelfrith was the son of Æthelric and grandson of Ida.

He married Acha of Deira. They had eight children:

• Eanfrith of Bernicia (born around 590, died 634)
• Oswald of Northumbria (born around 604, died 642)
• Oswiu of Northumbria (born around 612, died 670)
• Oswudu of Northumbria
• Oslac of Northumbria
• Oslaf of Northumbria
• Offa of Northumbria
• Æbba of Northumbria