Oswine of Deira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oswine of Deira |
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| King, Martyr | |
| Born | Unknown |
| Died | 20 August, 651 Gilling, Yorkshire, England |
| Venerated in | Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Anglican Communion |
| Major shrine | Tynemouth, England |
| Feast | 20 August |
Oswine (also known as Oswin or Osuine) was a king who ruled a part of northern England called Deira. He lived in the 7th century and died on August 20, 651. He is remembered as a saint.
Contents
Life of King Oswine
Becoming King of Deira
Oswine became king of Deira around the year 644. This happened after King Oswald of Northumbria died in a battle. Oswine was the son of another king named Osric.
At that time, the large Kingdom of Northumbria was split into two parts. Oswine became king of the southern part, Deira. The northern part, called Bernicia, got its own king, Oswiu.
Conflict with King Oswiu
Oswine ruled peacefully for seven years. But then, King Oswiu of Bernicia declared war on him. Oswine did not want to fight a big battle. Instead, he went to Gilling. He stayed at the home of his friend, Earl Humwald.
Sadly, Earl Humwald betrayed Oswine. He handed Oswine over to King Oswiu's soldiers. Oswine was then killed by these soldiers. This likely happened near a place called Diddersley Hill in North Yorkshire.
Bede's Account of Oswine's Death
A famous historian named Bede wrote about King Oswine's death in 651. Bede explained that King Oswine sent his army home. He then went to hide with only one loyal soldier named Tonhere. They hid at the home of Earl Hunwald. Oswine thought Hunwald was a good friend.
But Hunwald betrayed him. Oswine and his soldier were killed by Ethilwin, who was Oswiu's commander. This sad event happened on August 20, 651.
Why Oswine Became a Saint
Justice for a King's Death
In Anglo-Saxon times, if someone was murdered, their family would seek justice. This often meant getting revenge or a payment called "wergild." However, King Oswiu's own wife was related to Oswine. Oswiu himself was also a relative.
To make things right, Oswiu started a monastery at Gilling Abbey. This monastery had monks and nuns from both families. Their job was to pray for Oswiu's forgiveness and for Oswine's soul. Many years later, people from this monastery said that Oswine was a saint.
Honoring Royal Saints
Oswine is one of many Anglo-Saxon kings and queens who became saints. Monasteries often honored these royal figures. Another example is Edward the Martyr, who was also a king honored as a saint.
Oswine's Burial Place
Oswine was buried at Tynemouth. Over time, people forgot exactly where he was buried. It is said that a monk named Edmund had a special vision. This vision showed him where Oswine was buried. In 1065, Oswine's remains were moved to a special place in Tynemouth Priory.
People believed Saint Oswine was a Christian martyr. This is because he died for "the justice of Christ."
Churches Dedicated to Saint Oswine
St Oswin's Church, Wylam
There is a church named after Saint Oswine in Wylam, Northumberland, England. It is a Church of England parish church. The church was built in 1886. About 150 people attend services there regularly. The church has a set of 6 bells in its tower.
Our Lady & St Oswin's Church, Tynemouth
Saint Oswine is also honored at a Catholic church in Tynemouth. This church is called Our Lady & St Oswin's Church. It is located near the old ruins of the priory where Oswine was first buried.
