Following the Battle of Hatfield Chase on October 12, 632 (or 633), during which the Northumbrian king Edwin was killed by the invading Welsh and Mercians, Northumbria was split between its two sub-kingdoms, Bernicia and Deira, and exposed to the devastation of Cadwallon's invading army. The king of Bernicia, Eanfrith, was killed by Cadwallon after attempting to negotiate peace.
Eanfrith's brother, Oswald, then returned from exile in Dalriada and, with the aid of a force of Scots, marched against Cadwallon and confronted him near Hexham, by Hadrian's Wall. Before the battle, it is said that he raised a cross and prayed for victory alongside his troops, and afterward the site was known as Heavenfield. Although the Welsh probably had superior numbers, they were defeated and pursued for miles by the triumphant Northumbrians. Cadwallon himself was killed.
After the battle, Oswald reunited Deira with Bernicia and became king of all Northumbria.
Following the Battle of Hatfield Chase on October 12, 632 (or 633), during which the Northumbrian king Edwin was killed by the invading Welsh and Mercians, Northumbria was split between its two sub-kingdoms, Bernicia and Deira, and exposed to the devastation of Cadwallon's invading army.
Before the battle, it is said that he raised a cross and prayed for victory alongside his troops, and afterward the site was known as Heavenfield.
Little is known about Cadafael's life until after the defeat and death of Cadwallon ap Cadfan at the Battle of Heavenfield in 634.
Cadfael seized power in Gwynedd at the expense of Cadwallon's son Cadwaladr, who was still a child.
It is uncertain whether Cadafael was intentionally avoiding battle or was unaware that Oswy's forces were near, however the episode earned him the scornful nickname "Cadomedd" or "Battle-shirker".
Feeds |
Contact