Osred II of Northumbria facts for kids

Osred II was a king who ruled Northumbria, an important kingdom in early England. He was king for a short time, from 789 to 790. Osred was the son of King Alhred and a woman named Osgifu. His mother Osgifu was the daughter of another king, Eadberht.

Becoming King

Osred II became king after Ælfwald I was removed from power. Ælfwald was the son of Osred's mother's brother, Oswulf. A powerful leader called Sicga, who was an ealdorman (a high-ranking noble), was involved in Ælfwald's removal.

A Short Reign

Even though Osred tried to bring together different groups in Northumbria, his time as king was very short. He ruled for only about one year. In 790, he was replaced by Æthelred. Æthelred had been king before and was returning to power.

After losing his throne, Osred was forced to become a monk. This meant his head was shaved, and he was sent away from Northumbria. He went into exile, which means he had to live outside his home country. It seems he went to the Isle of Man.

Return and End

Osred came back from exile in 792. However, his soldiers did not support him. King Æthelred ordered that Osred be captured and killed. This happened on September 14th, 792.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, an old historical record, says that Osred was "apprehended and slain." His body was laid to rest at Tynemouth Priory.