Edwin
Edwin of Northumbria was a significant historical figure, born the son of King Ælle of Deira. After losing his kingdom to Æthelfrith of Northumbria, Edwin lived in exile until he was taken in by King Rædwald of East Anglia. With Rædwald's support, Edwin successfully defeated Æthelfrith in 616 CE, reclaiming power as the king of Northumbria. His reign marked a period of territorial expansion as he forged alliances that established him as the overlord of a vast political entity in England, earning recognition from the historian Bede as one of the seven most powerful kings of his time.
In 627 CE, Edwin made a pivotal decision to convert to Christianity, promoting the faith's spread throughout his kingdom and beyond. His reign, however, ended in 632 CE when he was killed in battle against a Welsh force. Following his death, Northumbria faced challenges, particularly for Christianity, but the political structures Edwin established helped maintain stability. His legacy continued as Northumbria emerged as a notable center for learning and the arts in the subsequent centuries, particularly during the era of Bede.
Edwin
Northumbrian king
- Born: Sixth century
- Birthplace: Northern England
- Died: October 12, 0632
- Place of death: Hatfield Chase, England
Related civilizations: England, Anglo-Saxon
Major role/position: Military leader and statesman
Life
Son of King Ælle of Deira, Edwin found himself in exile as a youth after his kingdom was conquered and annexed by Æthelfrith of Northumbria. Edwin, after some time of moving about, was ultimately taken in by King Rædwald of East Anglia; with his aid, Edwin fought and defeated Æthelfrith in 616 c.e. and assumed the throne of Northumbria.
As king, Edwin expanded both north and far to the south and even somewhat into Wales. By forging alliances, he extended his influence throughout most of England, becoming overlord of the most extensive political organization to date. For his political achievements, he was included by the eighth century c.e. historian Bede among the seven most powerful kings (or bretwaldas) to have held power in England. Importantly, Edwin converted to Christianity in 627 c.e. and encouraged the spread of the faith within Northumbria and elsewhere. Edwin died in battle against a Welsh force in 632 c.e.
Influence
With Edwin’s death, both the kingdom of Northumbria and Christianity struggled—but only briefly, as the political structures Edwin put into place managed to provide cohesion. Soon Northumbria would rise as a center for learning and the arts in the late seventh through early eighth centuries (the age of Bede).
Bibliography
Blair, Peter Hunter. An Introduction to Anglo-Saxon England. 2d ed. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
Campbell, James, ed. The Anglo-Saxons. New York: Penguin Books, 1982.
Stenton, Frank. Anglo-Saxon England. 3d ed. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press, 1971.