WHO IS ST OSWALD?
St Oswald was an Anglo-Saxon. He was King of Northumbria so was very powerful, but also very kind. Bede described him like this: “arms of great length and power, eyes bright blue, hair yellow, face long and beard thin, and his small lips wearing a kindly smile" Oswald's dad used to be King, but he lost a battle and so Cadwallon of Gwynedd became the new king. However, 11 years later, Oswald came back to Northumbria and won his dad's crown and title back from Cadwallon. This is why he is wearing a crown and has the royal scepter and orb. He also had a pet raven and is sometimes pictured with this. When Cadwallon was king, Northumbria was split into two kingdoms called Bernacia and Deira. When Oswald became king, he undid this and brought them back together again. He also brought Christianity to Northumbria. Unfortunatly Oswald died in a battle. But he became a saint and lots of people wanted to visit his grave. The journey to visit a saint is called a pilgrimage and was normally very long. It is thought that people stayed at the Church in Howell on the way to St Oswald's grave, which is why it was named after him. |