King Ethelfrith, who ruled the Kingdon of Northumbers for twenty-four years, and his wife, Acca, who was a sister of King Edwin. Ethelfrih and Acca had three sons, Eanfrid the eldest, Oswald
(born in 605 AD) and Oswi and a daughter Ebba who became an abess of a convent.
When Ethelfrith was defeated and killed in 616 by Redwald King of East Angles, his three sons were sent to the monastery on the island of Iona, which ha been established by St. Columba and his twelve monks, who had come from Ireland, bringing with them the Celtic Cross which dated back to the early centuries of the Christian era. Oswald was converted to the Christian faith and was baptised.
Oswald, who was tall,fair, blue eyed and an Anglo-Saxon warrior was determined to make a bid for his rightful heritage. At the time Cadwallon ravaged the Northumnbrian provinces.
Oswald gathered a small army and assembled them at at a place called Heavenfield. He gave orders for a large wooden cross to be constructed and erected.
During the night the soldiers prayed around the cross and as the dawn broke they advanced on the enemy with a strength that is given to those who fight for justice. The superior forces were routed, Cadwalon was killed and the troops disintegrated.
Oswald was thankful to God for the victory and his immediate plan was to bring the Good News of Christ to his people. He requested the monks of Iona to send a bishop and missionaries to convert his people to Christianity. Aidan, a Celtic monk was born in Ireland about 600 AD. He established his episcopal seat on the half island of Lindisfarne.
The King and the Bishop worked closely towards the conversion of the people. Before Aidan could speak English adequately Oswald would act as is interpreter. Oswald was a 'man of prayer' and he encouraged Aidan to establish monasteries and churches by giving him land and money. Oswald reigned for eight years in prosperity. His valour, sagacity nd statesmanship reached great heights, but he always continued humble affable and generous to the poor and strangers.
It is recorded that one Easter Day he and Aidan were having dinner when he was told that a great multitude of poor people was at his gate asking for alms. The King sent a large silver plate of meat from his own table and ordered that the plate be broken in small pieces and distributed to the people. Aidan was deeply touched and raised Oswald's right hand and said,
'May this hand never perish'.
Penda, the barbarous pagan King of Mercia, raised a strong army and invaded Oswald's dominions, which were defended by an inferior force. Oswald was killed in 5th August, 642. Penda, the inhuman tyrant, ordered that Oswald's body be sacrificially mutilated to the god Woden.
His head, arms and hands were hung on stakes. His head was later sent to Lindisfarne and transferred to St Cuthbert's Coffin, which was finally put to rest in Durham Cathedral. The arms and hands were sent to Bamburgh and placed in a reliquary (which was octagonal in shape and constructed of silver).
Oswald is remembered as a Saint, Martyr and King.