Battle of the Trent facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of the Trent
The Rise of Northumbria, 600 – 700
Date c.679 Location at or near the River Trent (in modern-day England) Result Mercian victory
Belligerents
Mercia	Northumbria
Commanders and leaders
Æthelred	Ecgfrith

The Battle of the Trent was an important fight that happened around the year 679. It took place near the River Trent in a region called Lindsey, which is now part of England.

This battle was between the army of Northumbria, led by King Ecgfrith, and the army of Mercia, led by King Æthelred. The Mercians won, which meant that Northumbria no longer controlled the Lindsey area. Lindsey then became part of Mercia until the Vikings arrived much later, in the 800s.

What Happened at the Battle of the Trent?

This battle was a big deal because it changed who was in charge of an important area. The Mercians took control from the Northumbrians.

A Young Prince's Fate

A famous historian named Bede wrote about this battle in his book, Ecclesiastical History of the English People. He mentioned that a young prince, Ælfwine of Deira, who was only 18 years old, was killed during the fight.

Ælfwine was a "subking," meaning he ruled a smaller part of Northumbria under King Ecgfrith. His death almost caused another war between Mercia and Northumbria. Luckily, Theodore, the Archbishop of Canterbury (a very important church leader), stepped in to help make peace.

The Story of Imma

Bede also shared an interesting story about a Northumbrian warrior named Imm, or Imma. Imma was a "thegn," which was a noble or a knight who served the king.

After the battle, Imma was captured by the Mercian army. He was a bit of a handful, so he was sold to a merchant from Frisia (a region in what is now the Netherlands). When the merchant found out Imma was a noble warrior, he arranged for him to be set free in exchange for money. Imma was then returned to one of the kings of Kent.