Ida of Bernicia facts for kids
Ida was an important early king in what is now northern England. He ruled the Anglian kingdom of Bernicia starting around the year 547. People sometimes called him 'Flame-bearer'. This name was given to him by Welsh poets. Ida is seen as the person who started a long line of kings. These kings later ruled a very strong kingdom called Northumbria. He ruled until about 559 or 560.
Ida's Time as King
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is an old book that tells us about early English history. It says that Ida became king in the year 547. It also says that the royal family of Northumbria came from him. Ida ruled for twelve years.
Building Bamburgh
Ida built a place called Bebanburh. Today, we know this place as Bamburgh. At first, it was just a simple area surrounded by a hedge. Later, a strong wall was built around it.
Ida took over a fortress called Din Guairi from the Britons. He defeated their leader, Outigern. This fortress later became Bamburgh.
A Strong Leader
Old writings describe Ida as a powerful warrior and king. He was known for bringing the northern lands under his protection. This area was north of the River Humber.
When Ida was king, Bernicia had other kingdoms nearby. To the north and west were British kingdoms. Many of these were later taken over by Bernicia. However, old records do not mention Ida fighting in these specific battles. To the south was another Anglo-Saxon kingdom called Deira.
Ida and Northumbria
A writer named Nennius wrote a book called Historia Brittonum. In his book, Nennius said that Ida joined Bernicia and Deira together. He also claimed that Ida was the first king of a united Northumbria. But this happened about 50 years before Northumbria was truly united. Ida's name does not appear on any lists of kings for Deira. At that time, the king of Deira was Yffi.
According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Ida died around the year 560. After Ida passed away, a king named Glappa took over. Glappa ruled for only one year.
See also
In Spanish: Ida de Bernicia para niños
