Battle of the Winwaed facts for kids
The Battle of the Winwaed was a big fight. It happened on November 15, 655. The battle was between the armies of King Penda of Mercia and King Oswiu of Northumbria. Oswiu won a major victory. This brought back Northumbria's power over Anglo-Saxon England.
Why the Battle Happened
Several things led to the Battle of the Winwaed. Before this, King Oswald of Northumbria was seen as the most powerful ruler over the other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in England.
But then, King Penda of Mercia defeated and killed King Oswald in 642 at the Battle of Maserfield. This made Penda the strongest king in England. However, Penda did not claim to be the main ruler over everyone.
When his brother Oswald was killed, Oswiu of Northumbria became king of Bernicia. This was one part of Northumbria. But he could not rule Deira, the other part. It took a year before Oswiu felt it was safe to get his brother's body from the battlefield.
To try and make peace with Penda, Oswiu gave his daughter in marriage to Penda's son, Peada of Mercia. Also, Oswiu agreed that his son, Alfrith, would marry Penda's daughter, Cyneburh.
Even with these marriages, Penda was not happy. He was determined to destroy Oswiu. In 654, Penda gathered a very large army. Then, around 653, Penda began attacking Bernicia.
The Fight at Winwaed
Penda fought a series of battles across Northumbria. He kept pushing Oswiu back. Oswiu's army was forced to retreat to the far north of his kingdom.
Oswiu wanted peace. Penda took Oswiu's son, Ecgfrith, as a hostage. Oswiu also offered Penda a lot of treasure if he would stop the fighting.
Some stories say Penda took the treasure and gave it to his allies. But another important historical writer, Bede, says Penda turned down the offer of treasure.
Penda took his army and left Bernicia. It was at this moment, according to Bede, that Oswiu attacked Penda's army. Oswiu had a much smaller force. He caught up with Penda on the banks of the Winwaed river, which was flooded.
Some of Penda's allies left him and decided not to fight. Oswiu's army likely surprised Penda's main force. They attacked the Mercians fiercely. Penda and most of the leaders of his many groups of soldiers were killed. King Aethelhere of East Anglia was also killed with Penda.
One of those who left and did not join the battle was Oswiu's nephew, King Athelwald of Deira. He had helped Penda travel through Northumbria and was Penda's ally against his uncle. Because the river was flooded, more soldiers died by drowning than in the actual fighting.
What Happened After
Penda's death and Oswiu becoming the most powerful king changed England a lot in the 7th century. Athelwald was either killed or had to leave the country.
From this time, Oswiu became the main ruler over all the southern English people, including Mercia. Mercia was then divided. Oswiu directly controlled the part of Mercia north of the River Trent. He made Peada of Mercia, Penda's son, king over the part of Mercia south of the Trent. Peada had married Oswiu's daughter, Alflaed.
Peada died five months later. Some believe he was killed, possibly on Oswiu's orders. The Mercians then rebelled against Oswiu. Peada's brother, Wulfhere of Mercia, became king of Mercia.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Winwaed para niños
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