BattlefieldsÆthelhere of East Anglia Killed at Winwaed 655
Early Medieval

Æthelhere of East Anglia Killed at Winwaed 655

655
England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
East Anglia
Forces
Northumbria
VS
Victor
Northumbria
Forces
East Anglian forces under Æthelhere as part of Penda's coalition
Outcome
East Anglian king killed in Penda's coalition; East Anglia loses its most powerful ally
The Battle

History & Significance

Æthelhere of East Anglia was one of the kings who joined Penda's coalition against Oswiu of Northumbria. He was killed alongside Penda at the Battle of the River Winwaed. His death removed the last East Anglian king with close ties to Mercia. Bede says Æthelhere was the cause of the war, though what he means is unclear.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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