Osric of Deira

Osric (also Osricus; † 634) was in the years 633-634 King of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Deira ( 632-633? ).

Life

Family

Osric's father was Ælfric, a brother Ælles, the first known king of Deira. His son Oswine ( 642-651 ) was later also king of Deira. Edwin, his predecessor on the throne, was his cousin. His cousin Acha was the stepmother of Eanfrith ( 633/634-634 ), King of Bernicia.

Rule

In the year 633 the kings allied themselves ap Cadwallon of Gwynedd and Penda Cadfan of Mercia and rebelled against King Osric's predecessor Edwin of Northumbria. Together they brought together a considerable force, which managed to destroy the Northumbrian army on October 12, 633 at the Battle of Hatfield Chase at Doncaster. Edwin died in battle; as his son Osfrith. His son Eadfrith had surrendered and was later killed by Penda. The immediate consequence of the defeat was the new division Northumbria: While managed to retain southern Deira Osric, northern Bernicia fell to the returned from exile Eanfrith, a son Æthelfriths, and thus to the local old dynasty back.

According to the Venerable Bede Osric and Eanfrith to have been baptized Christians who again joined after the accession of the Anglo-Saxon religion. Osric seems to have the church tolerated in his empire, however. Osric continued the battle against Cadwallon, he 634, probably in York, included and besieged. In case of failure Cadwallons Osric fell and his army was wiped out. Cadwallon rampaged through Northumbria and let Eanfrith, who was ready for peace concluded murder. In the same year Cadwallon fell in the battle of Heaven Field in the fight against Eanfriths Christian half-brother Oswald Northumbria reunited under his rule.

Swell

Eanfrith of Bernicia Cadwallon ap Cadfan Penda of Mercia Battle of Heavenfield Oswald of Northumbria Internet History Sourcebooks Project Prosopography of Anglo-Saxon England
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