Following the death of Eadwine, Northumbria went through a period of instability. However, Oswald, the brother of Eadwine, rose to power and became king in 634. Oswald is considered one of Northumbria’s greatest kings, known for his military success, including his victory over Penda at the Battle of Maserfield in 642. Under his reign, Northumbria once again became the dominant power in northern Britain.

Oswald's reign is also marked by his strong Christian faith, and he was instrumental in the spread of Christianity throughout the kingdom. His influence helped establish the monastery at Lindisfarne, which would become one of the most important religious centers in Anglo-Saxon England.

Following Oswald’s death in 642, his brother Oswiu took the throne. Oswiu’s reign was marked by significant internal and external struggles, but he succeeded in maintaining Northumbria's power. One of his most famous achievements was the Synod of Whitby in 664, where he helped settle the dispute between the Roman and Celtic Christian traditions, aligning Northumbria with the Roman Church.

 The Decline of Northumbria (c. 670 - 750 AD)

After the reign of Oswiu, Northumbria experienced a slow and steady decline, plagued by internal strife and external invasions. The kingdom’s borders became increasingly unstable, with constant conflicts between the kings of Northumbria and neighboring kingdoms, especially Mercia.

In the early 8th century, Northumbria saw the rise of a new wave of powerful kings, such as Aldfrith (r. 685–705) and Osred II (r. 705–715), but their reigns were short-lived and often marred by internal conflict, including struggles over succession and royal power.

Additionally, during this period, Northumbria began to lose its influence to the south, particularly to the rising power of Mercia. The kingdom's internal divisions and challenges from outside forces, including raids from the Picts and Vikings, contributed to its weakening power.

 The Viking Invasions and the Fall of Northumbria (c. 800 - 867 AD)

In the late 8th century, Viking raids became a significant threat to Northumbria. The Vikings first attacked Lindisfarne in 793 AD, marking the beginning of the Viking Age. The raiders caused widespread destruction, and by the 830s, the Vikings began to settle in the region, further destabilizing Northumbria.

In 867, the Vikings, led by the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok, seized York, one of the most important cities in Northumbria. The kingdom was effectively annexed by the Viking forces, and its rulers were forced to either submit to Viking control or be displaced.

 The Final End of Northumbria (c. 875 - 1066 AD)

While Northumbria continued to exist in some form after the Viking conquest, it was no longer an independent kingdom. In 875, the kingdom was divided between the Danes and the Anglo-Saxons, and by 927, it had been incorporated into the kingdom of England under King Æthelstan. The final blow to Northumbria’s autonomy came after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Although York and other northern regions remained significant, Northumbria as a kingdom ceased to exist, absorbed into the larger kingdom of England.

Conclusion

The history of Northumbria is one of rise, glory, and decline. From its early days under Æthelfrith, through its Christianization under Eadwine and Oswald, to its eventual fall under the pressure of Viking invasions and internal conflict, Northumbria played a critical role in the development of medieval England. Its legacy lives on through its cultural and religious contributions, particularly through the spread of Christianity and the creation of important religious centers like Lindisfarne. The kingdom's fall marked the end of an era, but its story remains a crucial part of Britain’s historical tapestry. shutdown123