BattlefieldsBattle of the River Idle 616
Early Medieval

Battle of the River Idle 616

616
Nottinghamshire, England
Also known as: Death of Aethelfrith — River Idle
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Nottinghamshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northumbria (Aethelfrith)
Forces
Northumbrian army
VS
Victor
East Anglia (Raedwald)
Forces
East Anglian hearth warriors with Northumbrian exiles
Outcome
Aethelfrith killed; Edwin restored to Northumbria; Raedwald dominant in England
The Battle

History & Significance

The battle of the River Idle — probably on the Nottinghamshire-Yorkshire border near the confluence with the Trent — destroyed Aethelfrith of Northumbria, the most successful warlord of his generation. Raedwald of East Anglia, almost certainly the man buried at Sutton Hoo, led the victorious force and restored Edwin of Northumbria. The battle is one of the most consequential of the 7th century: it ended Northumbrian dominance and established the Midlands/East Anglian axis that would shape England for a generation. Edwin's subsequent conversion to Christianity followed directly from this.

Casualties & Losses

Aethelfrith killed; Northumbrian army destroyed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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