Battle of Maserfield facts for kids

The Battle of Maserfield (also known as Cogwy) was a major fight that happened on August 5, 642. It was mainly between the armies of King Oswald of Northumbria, who was a Christian, and King Penda of Mercia, who followed a pagan religion. The battle ended with Oswald's death and his army losing. People believe the battle took place at a spot called Oswestry in Shropshire, England.

Why the Battle Happened

King Oswald's uncle, King Edwin of Northumbria, was killed in a battle in 633 by Penda and his friend Cadwallon ap Cadfan. After that, Cadwallon and Penda caused a lot of trouble in Northumbria, harming many people. Northumbria then split into two smaller kingdoms.

However, Oswald was a strong leader. He defeated and killed Cadwallon in 634. After this victory, Oswald brought Northumbria back together as one kingdom. He became a very powerful king, seen as an "overlord" by other Anglo-Saxon kings.

Penda was always a danger to Oswald. But Penda was often busy fighting the East Angles and making new friends with the Welsh people. Oswald also made his own alliances to try and stop Penda's power. Around 638, Oswald won a battle near Edinburgh. In 640, he took back the kingdom of Lindsey from Penda.

The Fight at Maserfield

We don't know exactly why this battle started or why it happened in this specific place. King Penda was a pagan, and he might not have liked that Oswald was bringing Christian monks to the north, spreading Christianity.

In 642, the armies of Northumbria and Mercia (along with Penda's Welsh allies) met at a place called Maserfield, likely in Shropshire. King Oswald was killed during the battle. For a year after the fight, his head and hands were put on stakes. Eventually, Oswald's brother, Oswiu, was able to get Oswald's body back. Oswiu then became the new king of Northumbria.

What Happened After

The Battle of Maserfield made Penda "the most formidable king in England." After the battle, Northumbria became weaker and split again. Deira, the southern part of Northumbria, chose its own king, Oswine. Bernicia, in the north, was ruled by Oswald's brother, Oswiu.

Even though Northumbria was divided right after the battle, Oswiu worked hard to make Northumbria powerful again over the next 13 years. He finally defeated and killed Penda at the Battle of the Winwaed in 655.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Maserfield para niños