Oswulf I of Bamburgh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oswulf
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The peninsula of Bamburgh, with the modern castle
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| Died | between 954 and 963 |
| Known for | Betraying Eric of York and being the first recorded High-Reeve of Bamburgh |
| Title | High-Reeve of Bamburgh, Ealdorman of York |
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Oswulf was an important ruler in early England, active from about 946 to after 954. He first ruled Bamburgh, a key place in northern England. Later, he became a powerful leader over all of Northumbria, working for King Eadred of England. People sometimes called him an "earl" or "high-reeve."
By the 1100s, people believed Oswulf was involved in the death of Eric of York. Eric was the last Norse king of Northumbria. After Eric's death, Oswulf helped King Eadred manage the Kingdom of York.
Who Was Oswulf?
We know some things about where Oswulf came from. A old family tree, called De Northumbria post Britannos, says Oswulf was the son of Eadwulf I of Bamburgh. Eadwulf I was known as the 'King of the Northern English' and died in 913.
Some historians also think Oswulf might have been the son of Ealdred I of Bamburgh. This would make him the grandson of Eadwulf I. Oswulf is the first person clearly called the "high-reeve" of Bamburgh. A high-reeve was an important official. The word comes from Old English, meaning "chief steward."
Oswulf's name appears on four official documents from King Eadred. One is from 946, two from 949, and one from 950. These documents show he was present at important meetings.
Oswulf and Eric of York
For many years, the southern part of Northumbria was controlled by Viking leaders. Two main leaders, Óláfr Sigtryggsson and Eric of York, often fought for control. This was happening in the years leading up to 954.
According to a history book from the 1200s, Oswulf played a big part in Eric's death. This book, called Flores historiarum, says Oswulf worked with someone named Maccus. Together, they betrayed Eric of York. Eric was killed in a lonely place called Stainmore.
After Eric's death, Oswulf became very powerful. By the 1100s, people believed Oswulf took control of all Northumbria. He did this even though King Eadred was the main ruler of England.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, an important historical record, mentions Eric's removal. It says: "In this year the Northumbrians drove out Eric and Eadred succeeded to the kingdom." This suggests that Oswulf was working for King Eadred. Historians think Eadred then made Oswulf the ruler of the whole Northumbrian region.
Another old source from the 1100s, De primo Saxonum adventu, describes Oswulf's role. It says he was the "first of the earls after Erik." It also states that Oswulf managed all the areas of Northumbria under King Eadred. This shows that Eadred's takeover and Oswulf's rule marked a new time. It was the start of southern English kings having lasting control over the North.
Oswulf's Later Life and Family
We don't know much about what happened during Oswulf's time in power. We also don't know the exact date of his death. He likely died before 963. This is because Oslac appears as an important leader in York around that time. It's not clear if Oslac was related to Oswulf.
After Oswulf's death, Northumbria was split into two parts. One part was controlled by Oslac. The other part was ruled by Eadwulf Evil-child.
According to the De Northumbria post Britannos record, Oswulf had a son named Ealdred. Ealdred was the father of Waltheof of Bamburgh (who was active around 994). Waltheof was then the father of Uhtred of Northumbria. Some people in the 1800s thought Oslac and Eadwulf Evil-child might have been Oswulf's sons. While we don't know for sure, it's possible they were all related.
