BattlefieldsBattle of the River Winwaed (655 AD)
Early Medieval

Battle of the River Winwaed (655 AD)

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

Who Fought

Defeated
Penda of Mercia
Forces
c.10,000 Mercians under Penda
VS
Victor
Oswiu of Northumbria
Forces
c.3,000 Northumbrians (Oswiu)
Outcome
Penda killed; Mercian hegemony ended; Northumbrian supremacy confirmed
The Battle

History & Significance

Oswiu of Northumbria faced Penda's massive coalition army — including British kings and thirty Mercian leaders — and destroyed it at a flooded river crossing, possibly near Leeds. Penda and thirty Mercian princes were killed. The battle ended Mercian supremacy in England and made Oswiu briefly the dominant English king. Yorkshire was secured from Mercian ravaging. Bede considered this the most important battle of his age.

Casualties & Losses

Penda and most of his army killed; many drowned

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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