Eanfrith of Bernicia facts for kids

Eanfrith (born around 590, died 634) was a king of Bernicia for a short time, from 633 to 634. His father was Æthelfrith of Northumbria, who was also a king of Bernicia. Æthelfrith had also ruled Deira, a kingdom to the south.

Eanfrith's father was killed in battle around 616. This battle was against Raedwald of East Anglia. Raedwald had helped Edwin of Northumbria, a prince from Deira who was in exile. After Æthelfrith's death, Edwin became the king of Northumbria.

Eanfrith's Early Life and Exile

Eanfrith was the oldest son of Æthelfrith. When Edwin became king, Eanfrith had to leave his home. He went into exile, meaning he lived away from his country. He traveled north to live among the Scots and Picts.

While living in exile, Eanfrith and his noble friends learned from the Scots. They also became baptized as Christians. This information comes from a famous book called Ecclesiastical History of the English People by a writer named Bede.

Eanfrith married a princess from the Picts. They had a son named Talorcan of the Picts. Talorcan later became a king of the Picts himself, ruling from 653 to 657.

Becoming King of Bernicia

In October 633, King Edwin was killed in a battle. This battle was called the Battle of Hatfield Chase. Edwin was fighting against the armies of Cadwallon ap Cadfan from Gwynedd and Penda of Mercia.

When Edwin died, Eanfrith saw a chance to return home. He became the king of Bernicia. However, he did not rule Deira. Deira was ruled by Osric of Deira, who was related to Edwin.

A Change in Faith

Bede tells us something important about Eanfrith. As soon as Eanfrith became king, he gave up his Christian faith. He went back to worshipping his "former idols." This means he returned to paganism.

Eanfrith's Death

Some historians think Eanfrith might have worked with Cadwallon at first. Eanfrith was able to become king very quickly after Edwin's death. This suggests there might have been a plan or agreement between them.

However, any friendly relationship between Eanfrith and Cadwallon did not last. Bede reports that Eanfrith tried to make peace with Cadwallon. He went to Cadwallon with only twelve chosen soldiers. But Cadwallon had Eanfrith killed.

Eanfrith's Legacy

Eanfrith and Osric ruled for about one year. This year was later seen as very bad because they were pagans. So, people decided to add that year to the reign of the Christian king Oswald of Bernicia. Oswald was Eanfrith's brother.

Oswald defeated Cadwallon and became king of both Bernicia and Deira. By adding Eanfrith and Osric's year to Oswald's reign, it was like their short, pagan reigns were ignored.