BattlefieldsBattle of Maserfield — Yorkshire Angles Mobilised (641 AD)
Early Medieval

Battle of Maserfield — Yorkshire Angles Mobilised (641 AD)

641
Shropshire, England
Also known as: Oswald killed at Maserfield · Yorkshire in Northumbrian wars
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Shropshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Oswald of Northumbria
Forces
Oswald's Northumbrians.
VS
Victor
Penda of Mercia
Forces
c. 4,000–10,000 per side; Penda's Mercian/Yorkshire allied force
Outcome
Oswald killed; Yorkshire Angles mobilised from Deira and Bernicia
The Battle

History & Significance

Though fought at Maserfield (possibly Oswestry in Shropshire), the Battle of Maserfield drew heavily on Yorkshire Deiran manpower. Oswald, who had been king of all Northumbria including Yorkshire's Deira since uniting the kingdoms after Heavenfield, was killed and dismembered by Penda. His arms were displayed on stakes. Yorkshire Anglians mourned him as a martyr; his cult became major in the north.

Casualties & Losses

Oswald and much of the Northumbrian army killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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