Æthelwald Moll of Northumbria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Æthelwald Moll |
|
|---|---|
| King of Northumbria | |
| Reign | 5 August 759 – 30 October 765 |
| Predecessor | Oswulf |
| Successor | Alhred |
| Spouse | Æthelthryth |
| Issue | Æthelred I of Northumbria |
Æthelwald Moll was a king of Northumbria, an important kingdom in what is now northern England. He ruled from 759 to 765. Æthelwald became king after the previous ruler, King Oswulf, died suddenly. It's not clear if Æthelwald was related to the earlier royal families of Northumbria.
During his time as king, Æthelwald faced challenges. There was at least one major uprising against him. In 765, a group of important Northumbrian leaders decided to remove Æthelwald from power. They chose Alhred, who was related to the previous king, to rule instead. After losing his throne, Æthelwald became a monk.
Becoming King of Northumbria
King Oswulf was killed on July 24, 759. Æthelwald took the throne shortly after, becoming King of Northumbria on August 5, 759. Some historians believe Æthelwald might have been involved in Oswulf's death.
Before becoming king, Æthelwald was likely a powerful nobleman. Records suggest he was known as Moll during the reign of King Eadberht. He was given control of some monasteries in Yorkshire. These monasteries had belonged to his brother, Abbot Forthred.
Challenges During His Reign
Æthelwald's time as king was not easy. He faced opposition from others who wanted the throne. A historian named Bede wrote about a man named Oswine who died in 761. Other old texts tell us more details.
Oswine was a nobleman, possibly a prince, who fought against Æthelwald. Oswine was killed in battle on August 6, 761, in the Eildon Hills. This shows that Æthelwald had to fight to keep his power.
Losing the Throne
On October 30, 765, Æthelwald was removed from his position as king. This decision was made by a council of important noblemen and church leaders. This meeting took place at a significant location called Pincanheale.
After being removed, Æthelwald became a monk. Alhred, who was related to a previous king, then became the new ruler of Northumbria.
His Family Life
Æthelwald married a woman named Æthelthryth in 762. This event was recorded by a historian named Symeon of Durham. They were married in a place called Catterick.
Æthelwald and Æthelthryth had at least one son together. Their son, Æthelred, later became a king of Northumbria himself. It is also thought that another person named Moll, who died around 799, was a relative of Æthelwald Moll.
