Æthelric of Deira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Æthelric |
|
|---|---|
| King of Deira | |
| Reign | c. 588–604 |
| Successor | Æthelfrith |
Æthelric was a king of Deira, an old Anglo-Saxon kingdom in what is now northern England. He likely ruled from around 588 to 604 AD. Not much is known about Æthelric, as historical records from that time are very limited.
Who Was King Æthelric?
Æthelric is believed to have become king of Deira in 588 AD. He took over after Ælla of Deira, who was the previous king. Our main source of information about this time is the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, an old collection of historical records.
The End of His Rule
Around the year 604 AD, Deira was invaded. Æthelfrith, who was the king of a nearby kingdom called Bernicia, took control of Deira. What exactly happened to Æthelric during this invasion is not clear.
What Happened to Æthelric?
Some historians think that Æthelric might have been killed during the fighting. We know that Edwin, who was Ælla's son and possibly Æthelric's brother, had to leave Deira and live in exile. This suggests that Æthelfrith's takeover was a conquest, meaning he won by force.
After taking over Deira, Æthelfrith ruled both Deira and Bernicia. These two kingdoms together formed what we now call Northumbria. Æthelfrith ruled until he was defeated in battle. Later, Edwin, from the original Deiran royal family, became king and brought the Deiran line back to power for a while.
