Æthelfrith

Æthelfrith (died c. 616) was King of Bernicia from c. 593 until his death around 616 AD at the Battle of the River Idle. He became the first Bernician king to also rule the neighboring land of Deira, giving him an important place in the development and the unification of the later kingdom of Northumbria. Reigning from the late 6th century until his death, he was known for his military campaigns against the Britons and his victory over the Gaels of Dál Riata. His most famous victory came at the Battle of Chester, where he decisively defeated a coalition of British forces, significantly weakening the influence of the native Britons in northern England. Æthelfrith's rule marked a turning point in the consolidation of Northumbria as a dominant force in early medieval Britain. He was killed in battle against a coalition led by Rædwald of East Anglia, who placed Edwin, the exiled heir of Deira, on the throne. His line was eventually restored to power in the 630s.