Ecgfrith of Northumbria - Early Life

Early Life

Ecgfrith succeeded his father, Oswiu of Northumbria. Bede tells us, in the Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, that Ecgfrith was held as a hostage "at the court of Queen Cynwise in the province of the Mercians" when Penda of Mercia invaded Northumbria in 654 or 655. Penda was eventually defeated and killed by the Northumbrians under Oswiu in the Battle of Winwaed, a victory which greatly enhanced Northumbrian power.

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