ST OSWALD
Anglo-Saxon King of Northumbria from 634-642
The vast majority of our knowledge of the life and death of Oswald (c.604 – 5th August 642) comes from the writings of Bede and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles. In his accounts, Bede describes Oswald as a saintly king and he was widely regarded the most powerfully ruler in Britain. Contempory writings also describe his appearance: “arms of great length and power, eyes bright blue, hair yellow, face long and beard thin, and his small lips wearing a kindly smile” (1) .
Oswald’s father, Æthelfrith of Bernicia, was also a Northumbrian king, however he was killed in battle, resulting in 11 year old Oswald fleeing to Scotland, and Cadwallon of Gwynedd taking the Northumbrian throne. In 634, Oswald returned to Northumbria and defeated Cadwallon in battle at Heavenfield, near Hexham.
Although his rule only lasted for eight years, Oswald successfully reunited the Northumbrian kingdoms of Bernacia and Deira under single rule, and is attributed to the conversion of Northumbria to Christianity.
Oswald’s rule ended on 5th August 642, when he was defeated at Battle of Maserfield by Penda, King of Mercia. Oswald was killed and his body dismembered; his arms and head stuck on poles. His achievements during his rule, and the nature of his death meant that he was almost immediately considered saint and a martyr, and miracles associated with his body were quickly reported.
The remains of St Oswald’s body were laid to rest in Bardney Abbey, Lincolnshire. The myth goes that the monks, whose home had been invaded by the Northumbrian king, initially refused the burial. However a bright light reaching to heaven came from Oswald’s coffin, which the monks saw as a sign from God and subsequently allowed the burial and vowed to never turn anyone away again. It is assumed that Howell, which is about 15 miles south of the Abbey, was a common resting stop for pilgrims, and so took the saint as its name-sake. His remains were later moved to St Oswald’s church, Gloucester. His head still remains at Durham Cathedral.
Images of St Oswald can be recognised by a figure wearing a crown, carrying sceptre and orb, ciborium, sword and/or palm-branch. He may also be represented with a raven, which was known to have had as a pet.
(1) “Saint Oswald of Northumbria”. Saints.SQPN.com. 20 April 2012. Web. 24 August 2013.
Oswald’s father, Æthelfrith of Bernicia, was also a Northumbrian king, however he was killed in battle, resulting in 11 year old Oswald fleeing to Scotland, and Cadwallon of Gwynedd taking the Northumbrian throne. In 634, Oswald returned to Northumbria and defeated Cadwallon in battle at Heavenfield, near Hexham.
Although his rule only lasted for eight years, Oswald successfully reunited the Northumbrian kingdoms of Bernacia and Deira under single rule, and is attributed to the conversion of Northumbria to Christianity.
Oswald’s rule ended on 5th August 642, when he was defeated at Battle of Maserfield by Penda, King of Mercia. Oswald was killed and his body dismembered; his arms and head stuck on poles. His achievements during his rule, and the nature of his death meant that he was almost immediately considered saint and a martyr, and miracles associated with his body were quickly reported.
The remains of St Oswald’s body were laid to rest in Bardney Abbey, Lincolnshire. The myth goes that the monks, whose home had been invaded by the Northumbrian king, initially refused the burial. However a bright light reaching to heaven came from Oswald’s coffin, which the monks saw as a sign from God and subsequently allowed the burial and vowed to never turn anyone away again. It is assumed that Howell, which is about 15 miles south of the Abbey, was a common resting stop for pilgrims, and so took the saint as its name-sake. His remains were later moved to St Oswald’s church, Gloucester. His head still remains at Durham Cathedral.
Images of St Oswald can be recognised by a figure wearing a crown, carrying sceptre and orb, ciborium, sword and/or palm-branch. He may also be represented with a raven, which was known to have had as a pet.
(1) “Saint Oswald of Northumbria”. Saints.SQPN.com. 20 April 2012. Web. 24 August 2013.