Eadwulf I of Bamburgh facts for kids

Eadwulf (died 913) was an important ruler in a part of England called Northumbria a long, long time ago, in the early 900s. He was known as the ruler of Bamburgh, which was a strong fortress town. We don't know who his father was, but some old family records say his mother was Æthelthryth, the daughter of King Ælla of Northumbria.

Who Was Eadwulf?

One thing we know for sure about Eadwulf is that he died in 913. This event was written down in several old books from that time. These books include the Annals of Ulster and the Annals of Clonmacnoise from Ireland, and a chronicle by a historian named Æthelweard.

What Was His Title?

The Irish books called Eadwulf the "king of the Northern English." However, Æthelweard said Eadwulf "ruled as a reeve of the town called Bamburgh." A reeve was like a chief officer or a local governor. Another old book, the Historia de Sancto Cuthberto, mentioned that Eadwulf was a favorite of the famous King Alfred the Great.

Where Did Eadwulf Rule?

Historians have often thought that Eadwulf only ruled the northern part of Northumbria. This area was once known as the kingdom of Bernicia. They believed that kings from Scandinavia or Norse-Gael people ruled the southern part, which was called Deira (an area similar to today's Yorkshire).

How Big Was His Territory?

Some historians, like Benjamin Hudson, have wondered if Eadwulf might have ruled all of Northumbria, not just the northern part. His time as ruler is not fully clear, but it might have been for a long period. One historian, Clare Downham, noted that his death was reported so widely that it suggests he was famous for more than just a short reign.

Bamburgh as His Center

Historian David Rollason described Eadwulf as an earl, which was a high-ranking noble. He believed Eadwulf was active between about 890 and 912. Eadwulf ruled an area north of the River Tyne and even into what is now southern Scotland. His main base was the old Northumbrian royal center at Bamburgh.

Eadwulf's Family

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, another important historical record, mentions sons of Eadwulf. We know he had at least four sons.

Eadwulf's Sons

• Ealdred: He died sometime after the year 927.
• Uhtred: He likely died around 950.
• Adulf (also known as Æthelwulf): He was called the "King of the Northern Saxons" and died in 934.
• Oswulf: He was a "High-Reeve" of Bamburgh, similar to his father's role. He died sometime between 954 and 963.

These sons likely continued to rule parts of Northumbria after their father.