Peada of Mercia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peada of Mercia |
|
|---|---|
Peada as portrayed in sculpture at Lichfield Cathedral
|
Peada (died 656) was a king who ruled a part of Mercia, an old Anglo-Saxon kingdom in England. He was the son of a powerful king named Penda. Peada became king of southern Mercia for a short time after his father passed away in November 655. He ruled until his own death in the spring of 656.
Contents
Becoming a King and a Christian
Around the year 653, Peada was made king of the Middle Angles by his father, King Penda. Peada was described as a good young man, worthy of being a king.
Marriage and Conversion
Peada wanted to marry Alchflaed, the daughter of King Oswiu of Northumbria. King Oswiu said Peada could marry his daughter only if Peada became a Christian. At this time, Peada was not a Christian, like his father.
Peada was very keen to become a Christian. He learned about the Christian faith and the idea of a heavenly kingdom. He said he would become a Christian even if he couldn't marry Alchflaed. He was especially convinced by King Oswiu's son, Aifrid, who was his friend and relative. Aifrid was married to Peada's sister, Cyneburga.
Spreading Christianity
After deciding to become a Christian, Peada was baptized by a bishop named Finan of Lindisfarne. Many of his important leaders, soldiers, and their servants were also baptized with him.
Peada then took four priests back to his land to teach his people about Christianity. These priests were Cedd, Adda, Betti, and Diuma. Diuma was from Scotland, and the others were English. These priests preached to the people, and many nobles and common folk gave up their old beliefs. They became Christians and were baptized every day.
Ruling Mercia
On November 15, 655, King Oswiu defeated and killed Peada's father, Penda, in a battle called the Battle of the Winwaed. After this, King Oswiu gained power over Mercia.
Oswiu allowed Peada to rule the southern part of Mercia. This southern part had about 5,000 families. The northern part of Mercia had about 7,000 families. The River Trent divided these two parts of Mercia.
Founding a Monastery
Peada also helped to start a famous monastery (a place where monks live) called Medeshamstede. Today, this place is known as Peterborough Cathedral. Peada and King Oswiu worked together to build this important church to honor Christ and Saint Peter.
They started building the foundations and then put a monk named Seaxwulf in charge. Seaxwulf was a very respected and powerful person.
Peada's Death
Sadly, Peada did not rule for a long time. He was betrayed by his own queen during Easter in 656. He died that year.
See also
