Osred I of Northumbria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Osred I |
|
|---|---|
| King of Northumbria | |
| Reign | 705–716 |
| Predecessor | Eadwulf |
| Successor | Coenred |
| Born | c. 697 |
| Died | 716 (aged 18–19) |
| Father | Aldfrith of Northumbria |
Osred (born around 697 – died 716) was a young king of Northumbria, a powerful kingdom in early England. He ruled from 705 until his death. Osred was the son of King Aldfrith of Northumbria. After his father died, another person named Eadwulf took the throne for a short time. But soon, Osred became king.
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Becoming King of Northumbria
When Osred's father, King Aldfrith, died, a man named Eadwulf tried to take the throne. However, Eadwulf only ruled for a few months. Osred was still a child at this time, so he couldn't rule by himself.
The Role of Bishop Wilfrid
A very powerful church leader, Bishop Wilfrid, helped Osred become king. Wilfrid took control of the government while Osred was young. He was likely helped by important noblemen called ealdormen, such as Berhtfrith. Bishop Wilfrid even adopted Osred as his own son.
When Wilfrid died in 709, it did not cause any problems for the kingdom. This shows that Northumbria was quite stable during this time. This stability was important, especially after Eadwulf's very short time as king.
Key Events During Osred's Reign
Osred's time as king saw some important events, even though he was young. His reign was mostly peaceful, but there was one major military victory.
Victory Against the Picts
In 711, the ealdorman Berhtfrith led the Northumbrian army. They fought against the Picts, a group of people living north of Northumbria. Berhtfrith's army won a great victory against the Picts. This battle happened near the upper River Forth area.
Osred's Character as King
Historians have different ideas about what kind of king Osred was. A writer named Bede spoke highly of Osred. Bede compared him to a good king from the Bible, Josiah.
However, another writer named Æthelwulf described Osred differently. In his poem De Abbatibus, Æthelwulf said Osred was energetic and strong. But he also mentioned that Osred was sometimes too quick to act and made poor choices. Æthelwulf also wrote that Osred was a strong ruler who sometimes forced his political opponents to join religious communities.
The End of Osred's Reign
Osred became old enough to rule on his own around 715 or 716. But he died very soon after this. The exact way he died is not completely clear.
Where and How Osred Died
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, an old historical record, says that Osred was killed "south of the border." Many historians believe this means he was killed near the southern border of the Pictish lands. It is thought that the Picts were responsible for his death.
