BattlefieldsBattle of the River Winwaed 655
Early Medieval

Battle of the River Winwaed 655

655
West Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Battle of Winwidfield · Winwaed
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
West Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Mercia (Penda) and allies
Forces
Penda massive coalition including East Anglians, Deirans, East Saxons, and Welsh
VS
Victor
Northumbria (Oswiu)
Forces
Northumbrian army with some Mercian deserters
Outcome
Penda killed; Mercian supremacy ended; Northumbria dominant; Christianity spread to Mercia
The Battle

History & Significance

Oswiu, though vastly outnumbered, defeated and killed Penda and thirty of his royal allies at the flooded River Winwaed. Bede records that the river swept away many in Penda army during flight. Oswiu had vowed to give his daughter to God and twelve estates to monasteries if he survived. The battle ended the last great pagan English kingdom.

Casualties & Losses

Penda and many sub-kings and their retinues killed; river floods added to losses in flight

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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