Ælfwine of Deira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ælfwine |
|
|---|---|
| King of Deira | |
| Reign | 670–679 AD |
| Predecessor | Ecgfrith |
| Successor | (office abolished) |
| Born | c. 661 AD |
| Died | 679 AD Battle of the Trent |
| House | Deira |
| Father | Oswiu |
| Mother | Eanflæd |
Ælfwine (born around 661 AD – died 679 AD) was a young king who ruled Deira from 670 to 679 AD. Deira was a smaller kingdom within a larger one called Northumbria in ancient England. He was the son of King Oswiu of Northumbria and the brother of King Ecgfrith of Northumbria.
Who Was Ælfwine?
Ælfwine was a prince in the powerful kingdom of Northumbria. His family was very important in the history of early England. He was born around 661 AD.
Becoming King
When his brother, Ecgfrith, became the King of Northumbria in 670 AD, Ecgfrith made Ælfwine the king of Deira. Ælfwine was still a boy at this time. Some historians believe that Ecgfrith, who had no children, might have wanted Ælfwine to be his heir.
A Battle and Peace
Sadly, Ælfwine's rule was short. In 679 AD, he was killed in a battle against the Mercians. This battle took place near the river Trent. Ælfwine was only about 18 years old when he died.
His death could have caused a much bigger war between Northumbria and Mercia. However, a wise church leader named Theodore, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury, stepped in. He helped to make peace between the two kingdoms.
The King of Mercia, Æthelred of Mercia, paid a special payment to Ecgfrith. This payment was called a weregild. It was a payment made in ancient times to a family or king as a way to make up for someone's death. This payment helped to stop further fighting. Thanks to Theodore's efforts, the kings and their people found peace. This peace lasted for a long time.
