Saint Oswald

Oswald (Old English pronunciation: [ˈoːzwɑɫd]; c. 604 – 5 August 641/642) was King of Northumbria from 634 until his death, and is venerated as a saint, of whom there was a particular cult in the Middle Ages. Born to Æthelfrith of Bernicia and Acha of Deira, Oswald spent time in exile before returning to power after defeating Cadwallon ap Cadfan at the Battle of Heavenfield. This victory united the two Northumbrian kingdoms under one ruler and promoted Christianity's spread in the region. Bede, writing shortly after Oswald’s death, provided a favorable account of him as a saintly king. Despite his brief reign of eight years, during which he became Britain’s most powerful ruler, Oswald met his end at the Battle of Maserfield while fighting Penda of Mercia.