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EgfridKing of Northumbria (670-685).
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Egfrith: King of Northumbria (670-685)
- Conflicts with the Church and Expansion
- Rivalry with Mercia and the Battle of the Trent
- Invasion of Ireland and Conflict with the Picts
- Battle of Dunnichen and Legacy
Egfrith: King of Northumbria (670-685)
Early Reign and Military VictoriesEgfrith, son of King Oswiu, inherited the throne of Northumbria in 670. Despite his young age, he quickly established himself as a respected and formidable ruler. Egfrith repelled an invasion attempt by the Picts, defeating them in several battles and securing a peace treaty that granted him territory. He also successfully defended his kingdom against Mercia, forcing its king, Wulfhere, to surrender lost lands.
Conflicts with the Church and Expansion
Egfrith intervened in ecclesiastical matters, seeking to assert his authority over the church. His dispute with Bishop Wilfrid resulted in the bishop's expulsion in 678. Egfrith established separate episcopates for Deira (York) and Bernicia (Lindisfarne). He also divided the conquered province of Lindsey into two bishoprics. Egfrith married Etheldreda, the daughter of King Anna of East Anglia, who was previously married to King Tondbert of South Gyrwe. She became the abbess of Ely in East Anglia and is venerated as Saint Etheldreda.
Rivalry with Mercia and the Battle of the Trent
In 679, a major battle occurred between Egfrith's forces and those of King Ethelred of Mercia. Egfrith's brother, Elfwine, was killed, but Archbishop Theodore of Canterbury negotiated a peace treaty, preventing further hostilities. The rivalry between Northumbria and Mercia persisted, leading to the establishment of a long-standing peace between the two kingdoms.
Invasion of Ireland and Conflict with the Picts
In 684, Egfrith sent an expedition to Ireland under Duke Berctfrith. The invasion was met with fierce resistance, and Berctfrith withdrew after suffering significant losses. Egfrith then directed his attention to the Picts, who had regained control of Dunnottar fortress under their king Bride III mac Bili. After a series of victories, Egfrith invaded Caledonia in 685.
Battle of Dunnichen and Legacy
However, Bride had prepared for the invasion and retreated to a marshy area. On May 20, 685, the Battle of Dunnichen took place. The details of the battle are unclear, but the Picts surrounded and annihilated the Northumbrian army. Egfrith and most of his forces were killed. The victory marked the end of Northumbrian dominance in the south of Scotland. It also shifted the balance of power in Britain, from the Anglo-Saxons to the Picts and Saxons. Egfrith's reign ended with a tragic defeat, tarnishing his earlier achievements. He had ruled for 15 years and was survived by two wives.
