Penda 1 (Male) King of the Mercians, 626/632-655
e/m vii

Notes: Penda, king of the Mercians (c. 632 – 55), son of Pybba. Penda was the last pagan king of Mercia and is often described as the scourge of the Christian kings of southern England. His aggressive and expansionist policies made him the most powerful ruler south of the Humber in the seventh century. Having killed two Northumbrian kings in the course of his long career, Penda was himself killed by a third, Oswiu, at the battle of ‘Winwęd’, almost certainly on 15 November 655.

S. Keynes, ODNB; BEASE, 361 – 2; N. Brooks, ‘The formation of the Mercian kingdom’, The origins of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, ed. S. Bassett (1989), 159–70; W. Davies, ‘Annals and the origin of Mercia’, Mercian studies, ed. A. Dornier (1977), 17–29; D. Dumville, ‘Essex, Middle Anglia, and the expansion of Mercia in the south-east midlands’, The origins of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, ed. S. Bassett (1989), 123–40; F. M. Stenton, Anglo-Saxon England, 3rd edn (1971), 45, 47, 81–4.

Factoid List

Recorded Name (30)

... Penda (1)

 Bede.HE  iii.18

... Pendan (3)

 Bede.HE  iii.7
 Bede.HE  iii.21
 Bede.HE  iii.24

Panta (4)

 AnnalsUlster  650.1
 AnnalsUlster  656.2
 AnnalsUlster  675.4
 AnnalsUlster  693.7

Pantha (1)

 AnnalsCamb  657

Penda (15)

 Bede.HE  ii.20
 Bede.HE  iii.17
 Annals.NbRegnList  246
 ASC (E)  626 E
 ASC (E)  633 E
 ASC (E)  654 EF(OE and Lat.)
 ASC  626 ABCG
 ASC  628 ABCEG
 ASC  645 AF(OE and Lat.)G, 644 BCE
 ASC  655 ACG, <655> B
 ASC  658 ACEG, <658> B
 Anon.GenRegList1   
 Anon.GenRegList2   
 Ęthelweard.Chron  ii.6
 Ęthelweard.Chron  ii.7

Pendan (2)

 Alcuin.VersEubor  518
 Alcuin.VersEubor  550

Pende (1)

 S81   

Pending (3)

 ASC  655 AC, <655> B, 654 E
 ASC  657 AB
 ASC  661 AB

Personal Information (12)

ethnicity (1)

 Bede.HE  ii.20 (of the royal house of Mercia)

moral (4)

 Bede.HE  iii.24 (malignant)
 Alcuin.VersEubor  518 (strong in strength and guile)
 Alcuin.VersEubor  519 (a cruel ravager of the kingdom [of Oswiu 1])
 Alcuin.VersEubor  527 (ferocious)

physical (1)

 Bede.HE  ii.20 (most energetic man)

religion (6)

 Bede.HE  ii.20 (idolater and ignorant of the name of Christ)
 Bede.HE  iii.9 (heathen)
 Bede.HE  iii.18 (heathen)
 Bede.HE  iii.21 (He did not forbid the preaching of the Word, even in his own Mercian kingdom,. But he hated and despised those who, after they had accepted the Christian faith, were clearly lacking in the works of faith.)
 Bede.HE  iii.24 (heathen)
 Anon.LiberEliensis  I.15 (unbelieving)

Office (22)

Dux (1)

 Alcuin.VersEubor  550

King (21)

 Bede.HE  ii.20
 Bede.HE  iii.7 (king of the Mericans)
 Bede.HE  iii.9 (king of the Mercians)
 Bede.HE  iii.17 (king of the Mercians)
 Bede.HE  iii.18 (king of the Mercians)
 Bede.HE  iii.21
 Bede.HE  iii.24 (king of the Mercians)
 Alcuin.VersEubor  518
 ASC (E)  626 E
 ASC (E)  626 E
 ASC (E)  654 EF(OE and Lat.)
 ASC  626 ABCG
 ASC  626 ABCG
 ASC  645 AF(OE and Lat.)G, 644 BCE
 AnnalsUlster  656.2 (King of the Saxons)
 Anon.GenRegList2    (king of the Mercians)
 Ęthelweard.Chron  ii.7
 Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7 (king of the Mercians)
 Anon.LiberEliensis  I.15
 Symeonof Durham.HistoriadeSanctoCuthberto  3
 RestingPlaces  9

Status (3)

Enemy (1)

 Alcuin.VersEubor  517-18

Murderer (1)

 Alcuin.VersEubor  519

Royal person (1)

 Bede.HE  ii.20

Personal Relationship (35)

~ Daughter (Consanguineal kinship) of Penda 1 (3)

 Cyneburg 1: of Penda 1: Bede.HE  iii.21
 Cynethryth 7: of Penda 1: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iv.180.1
 Cyneswith 1: of Penda 1: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iv.180.1

~ Friend (General relationship) of Penda 1 (1)

 Ęthelhere 1: of Penda 1: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7

~ Granddaughter, son’s daughter (Consanguineal kinship) of Penda 1 (1)

 Mildburg 1: of Penda 1: WilliamofMalmesbury.GestaPontificumAnglorum  iv.171.1

~ Grandson, son’s son (Consanguineal kinship) of Penda 1 (1)

 Ceolred 1: of Penda 1: S81   

~ Sister (Consanguineal kinship) of Penda 1 (3)

 Anonymous 216: of Penda 1: Bede.HE  iii.7
 Anonymous 216: of Penda 1: ASC  658 ACEG, <658> B
 Anonymous 216: of Penda 1: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7

Penda 1 Son (Consanguineal kinship) of ~ (4)

 of Pybba 1: ASC  626 ABCG
 of Pybba 1: Anon.GenRegList1   
 of Pybba 1: Anon.GenRegList2   
 of Pybba 1: Symeonof Durham.HistoriadeSanctoCuthberto  3

~ Son (Consanguineal kinship) of Penda 1 (21)

 Wulfhere 1: of Penda 1: Bede.HE  iii.24
 Peada 1: of Penda 1: Bede.HE  iii.21
 Peada 1: of Penda 1: Bede.HE  iii.24
 Ęthelred 2: of Penda 1: S81   
 Ęthelred 2: of Penda 1: ASC  704 ACDEG, <704> B
 Ęthelred 2: of Penda 1: ASC  716 (A)
 Peada 1: of Penda 1: ASC  655 AC, <655> B, 654 E
 Wulfhere 1: of Penda 1: ASC  657 ACG, <657> B, 656 EF(OE and Lat.)
 Wulfhere 1: of Penda 1: ASC  661 ACEG, <661> B
 Wulfhere 1: of Penda 1: ASC  675 ACEF(OE)G
 Wulfhere 1: of Penda 1: AnnalsUlster  675.4
 Ęthelred 2: of Penda 1: Anon.GenRegList1   
 Ęthelred 2: of Penda 1: Anon.GenRegList2   
 Ęthelred 2: of Penda 1: Ęthelweard.Chron  ii.11
 Wulfhere 1: of Penda 1: Ęthelweard.Chron  ii.7
 Wulfhere 1: of Penda 1: Ęthelweard.Chron  ii.8
 Wulfhere 1: of Penda 1: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
 Wulfhere 1: of Penda 1: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.17
 Wulfhere 1: of Penda 1: Symeonof Durham.HistoriadeSanctoCuthberto  7
 Merewalh 2: of Penda 1: RestingPlaces  9
 Wulfhere 1: of Penda 1: RestingPlaces  22

~ Successor (General relationship) of Penda 1 (1)

 Oswine 1: of Penda 1: Symeonof Durham.HistoriadeSanctoCuthberto  3

Event (51)

Appointment of princeps (1)

 Peada 1.appointment-princeps: Peada 1 was appointed by his father (Penda 1) to the reign of the Middle Angles.: Bede.HE  iii.21

Appointment/consecration/elevation/ordination of king (2)

 Penda 1.accession to kingdom: Here Penda 1 acceded to the kingdom.: ASC (E)  626 E (626 x 632)
 Penda 1.accession to the kingdom: Penda 1 was fifty when he acceded to the kingdom.: ASC  626 ABCG (?626 x 632)

Army-raising (1)

 Penda 1.raising of army (Anonymi 1101): Penda 1 raised an army (Anonymi 1101).: Alcuin.VersEubor  520-2

Battle (12)

 Cadwallon 1-Edwin 2.battle of Hatfield: Cadwallon 1 rebelled against Edwin 2 and a fierce battle was fought on the plain of Hatfield.: Bede.HE  ii.20 (633)
 Cynegils 1-Cwichelm 1.battle against Penda 1 near Cirencester: Cynegils 1 and Cwichelm 1 waged a war against Penda 1 near a town called Cirencester.: Ęthelweard.Chron  ii.6 (628)
 Cynegils 1-Cwichelm 1.fighting against Penda 1: Here Cynegils 1 and Cwichelm 1 fought against Penda 1 at Cirencester.: ASC  628 ABCEG (628)
 Oswiu 1-Penda 1.battle: Battle of Oswiu 1 against Penda 1.: AnnalsUlster  650.1 (655)
 Penda 1-Oswiu 1.battle: Battle of Penda 1. Oswiu 1 was the victor.: AnnalsUlster  656.2 (655)
 Penda 1-Oswiu 1.battle of River Winwęd: When the battle was joined the heathen were put to flight or destroyed.: Bede.HE  iii.24
 Penda 1-Sigeberht 3.battle: The East Anglians were attacked by Penda 1. They dragged Sigeberht 3 to the fight from his monastery.: Bede.HE  iii.18
 Penda 1.attack with army (Anonymi 1101) on Oswiu 1: Having been an enemy from Oswiu 1's earliest years on the throne, Penda 1 attacked him with an army (Anonymi 1101) but was defeated.: Alcuin.VersEubor  517-55
 Penda 1.battle: A battle against Penda 1.: AnnalsUlster  693.7
 Penda 1.fighting at [Winwęd]: Penda 1, supported by 30 legions and the same number of most noble commanders, went up to Bernicia, to wage war against Oswiu 1. King Oswiu 1, along with his son Ealhfrith 1, came to meet him. He had only one legion, but had placed his reliance upon Christ's leadership. For Oswiu 1's other son, Ecgfrith 4, was at that time detained as a hostage in the province of Mercia in the household of Penda 1's queen, Cynewise 1. ... Even the son of Oswald 1, Ęthelwald 6, who ought to have been assisting Oswiu 1 and Ealhfrith 1 on that occasion, was on the side of their enemies. He had become a commander, and was to fight for them against his homeland and his uncle. On this particular occasion, although he had kept apart from them, he was awaiting the outcome of the battle in a safe place. And when battle was entered, the 30 pagan commanders of King Penda 1 were put to flight and slaughtered, and those who had come to his aid were almost all killed. Amongst the slain was the very person who had instigated the war, Ęthelhere 1, the brother of Anna 1, King of the East Angles, who became ruler in succession to him. King Oswiu 1 brought this war to a close in the 13th year of his reign, to the great benefit of both populaces.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
 Penda 1.war against the East Angles: King Penda 1 went forth to war against the East Angles. Seeing they were being worsted in the war, they asked Sigeberht 3 to come with them into battle as an encouragement to the soldiery. Indeed, as he was unwilling and refused, they extracted him against his will from the monastery and led him into battle, hoping that the soldiers' spirits would become less panic-stricken, and less inclined to flee, in the presence of a chieftan who had once been very strenuous. But the holy man, mindful of his profession, all the time that he was surrounded by the mass ranks of the conquering army, refused to hold anything but just a staff in his hand, and he was killed, along with Ecgric 1 and as the pagans kept on attacking their whole army was massacred and routed.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.1 (637)
 Sigeberht 3-Ecgric 1.being killed by Penda 1's army: King Penda 1 went forth to war against the East Angles. Seeing they were being worsted in the war, they asked Sigeberht 3 to come with them into battle as an encouragement to the soldiery. Indeed, as he was unwilling and refused, they extracted him against his will from the monastery and led him into battle, hoping that the soldiers' spirits would become less panic-stricken, and less inclined to flee, in the presence of a chieftan who had once been very strenuous. But the holy man, mindful of his profession, all the time that he was surrounded by the mass ranks of the conquering army, refused to hold anything but just a staff in his hand, and he was killed, along with Ecgric 1 and as the pagans kept on attacking their whole army was massacred and routed.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.1

Betrayal/oath-breaking (1)

 Penda 1.murder of Eadfrith 1: In spite of an oath, Penda 1 murdered Eadfrith 1.: Bede.HE  ii.20

Burning (2)

 Aidan 1.miracle of the fire at Bamburgh: While Aidan 1 was staying on Farne Island, he saw the flames coming from Bamburgh, which Penda 1 was trying to set on fire. He prayed to the Lord and the winds carried the flames in the direction of those who had kindled them.: Bede.HE  iii.16
 Aidan 1.post-mortem miracle of the buttress: When Penda 1 came to Northumbria to destroy everything he could, the village in which Aidan 1 had died was burnt down. The buttress alone, against which the bishop had been leaning before dying, was not devoured by the flames. After the church was rebuilt, it was burnt down again because of carelessness. On this occasion too the flames could not touch the buttress. When the third church was built, the buttress was put inside as a memorial of the miracle. Since then, many obtained the grace of healing at this place.: Bede.HE  iii.17

Church/monastery destruction (1)

 Penda 1.destroying the early church at/near Ely: The army of Penda 1 afterwards drove them [the clerics of the early church at/near Ely] out from there, when it was devastating the country and its neighbourhood, and reduced the place to an uninhabited wilderness.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I preface; I.15

Church/monastery/minster foundation/dedication/restoration (1)

 Aidan 1.post-mortem miracle of the buttress: When Penda 1 came to Northumbria to destroy everything he could, the village in which Aidan 1 had died was burnt down. The buttress alone, against which the bishop had been leaning before dying, was not devoured by the flames. After the church was rebuilt, it was burnt down again because of carelessness. On this occasion too the flames could not touch the buttress. When the third church was built, the buttress was put inside as a memorial of the miracle. Since then, many obtained the grace of healing at this place.: Bede.HE  iii.17

Conversion (1)

 Penda 1.death: Penda 1 perished and the Mercians became Christians.: Bede.HE  v.24 (655)

Death/dying (4)

 Edwin 2.death: Edwin 2 was killed by the same heathen king who killed Oswald 1 later on.: Bede.HE  iii.9
 Oswald 1.death in battle: Oswald 1 died with a prayer on his lips. This had become proverbial in Bede 1's time. The proverb ran 'May God have mercy on their souls, as Oswald 1 said when he fell to the earth'.: Bede.HE  iii.12
 Penda 1.death: Penda 1 passed away.: Ęthelweard.Chron  ii.7 (655)
 Wulfhere 1.death: Death of the son of Penda 1 [sc. Wulfhere 1].: AnnalsUlster  675.4 (675)

Deposition of king (2)

 Cenwealh 2.expulsion by Penda 1: Here Cenwealh 2 was driven out [E adds: from his kingdom] by Penda 1.: ASC  645 AF(OE and Lat.)G, 644 BCE (645)
 Penda 1.driving Cenwealh 2 from his kingdom: After repudiating the sister of Penda 1, King of Mercia, to whom he had been married, Cenwealh 2 took a second wife, and consequently he was harried in war and deprived of his kingdom by Penda 1.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7

Exile (2)

 Cenwealh 2.exile: After repudiating Anonymous 216, Cenwealh 2 was attacked by her brother, Penda 1, who deprived him of his kingdom. He then retired to the court of Anna 1.: Bede.HE  iii.7
 Cenwealh 2.exile among East Angles (Anonymi 805): Penda 1 had driven Cenwealh 2 into exile among the East Angles (Anonymi 805) for three years because Cenwealh 2 had deserted Penda 1's sister (Anonymous 216).: ASC  658 ACEG, <658> B

Expulsion (2)

 Cenwealh 2.expulsion by Penda 1: Here Cenwealh 2 was driven out [E adds: from his kingdom] by Penda 1.: ASC  645 AF(OE and Lat.)G, 644 BCE (645)
 Penda 1.destroying the early church at/near Ely: The army of Penda 1 afterwards drove them [the clerics of the early church at/near Ely] out from there, when it was devastating the country and its neighbourhood, and reduced the place to an uninhabited wilderness.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I preface; I.15

Flight (4)

 Paulinus 1-Ęthelburg 1.journey by ship to Kent: When Paulinus 1 saw Cadwallon 1 and Penda 1 ravaging all the land of the Northumbrians, he took Ęthelburg 1 and went by ship to Kent.: ASC (E)  633 E (633)
 Penda 1-Oswiu 1.battle of River Winwęd: When the battle was joined the heathen were put to flight or destroyed.: Bede.HE  iii.24
 Penda 1.death: Penda 1 fled the battle but was killed by the sword.: Alcuin.VersEubor  529-52
 Penda 1.fighting at [Winwęd]: Penda 1, supported by 30 legions and the same number of most noble commanders, went up to Bernicia, to wage war against Oswiu 1. King Oswiu 1, along with his son Ealhfrith 1, came to meet him. He had only one legion, but had placed his reliance upon Christ's leadership. For Oswiu 1's other son, Ecgfrith 4, was at that time detained as a hostage in the province of Mercia in the household of Penda 1's queen, Cynewise 1. ... Even the son of Oswald 1, Ęthelwald 6, who ought to have been assisting Oswiu 1 and Ealhfrith 1 on that occasion, was on the side of their enemies. He had become a commander, and was to fight for them against his homeland and his uncle. On this particular occasion, although he had kept apart from them, he was awaiting the outcome of the battle in a safe place. And when battle was entered, the 30 pagan commanders of King Penda 1 were put to flight and slaughtered, and those who had come to his aid were almost all killed. Amongst the slain was the very person who had instigated the war, Ęthelhere 1, the brother of Anna 1, King of the East Angles, who became ruler in succession to him. King Oswiu 1 brought this war to a close in the 13th year of his reign, to the great benefit of both populaces.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7

Hostage-giving/taking (1)

 Penda 1.fighting at [Winwęd]: Penda 1, supported by 30 legions and the same number of most noble commanders, went up to Bernicia, to wage war against Oswiu 1. King Oswiu 1, along with his son Ealhfrith 1, came to meet him. He had only one legion, but had placed his reliance upon Christ's leadership. For Oswiu 1's other son, Ecgfrith 4, was at that time detained as a hostage in the province of Mercia in the household of Penda 1's queen, Cynewise 1. ... Even the son of Oswald 1, Ęthelwald 6, who ought to have been assisting Oswiu 1 and Ealhfrith 1 on that occasion, was on the side of their enemies. He had become a commander, and was to fight for them against his homeland and his uncle. On this particular occasion, although he had kept apart from them, he was awaiting the outcome of the battle in a safe place. And when battle was entered, the 30 pagan commanders of King Penda 1 were put to flight and slaughtered, and those who had come to his aid were almost all killed. Amongst the slain was the very person who had instigated the war, Ęthelhere 1, the brother of Anna 1, King of the East Angles, who became ruler in succession to him. King Oswiu 1 brought this war to a close in the 13th year of his reign, to the great benefit of both populaces.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7

Invasion (1)

 Aidan 1.post-mortem miracle of the buttress: When Penda 1 came to Northumbria to destroy everything he could, the village in which Aidan 1 had died was burnt down. The buttress alone, against which the bishop had been leaning before dying, was not devoured by the flames. After the church was rebuilt, it was burnt down again because of carelessness. On this occasion too the flames could not touch the buttress. When the third church was built, the buttress was put inside as a memorial of the miracle. Since then, many obtained the grace of healing at this place.: Bede.HE  iii.17

Journey (1)

 Paulinus 1-Ęthelburg 1.journey by ship to Kent: When Paulinus 1 saw Cadwallon 1 and Penda 1 ravaging all the land of the Northumbrians, he took Ęthelburg 1 and went by ship to Kent.: ASC (E)  633 E (633)

Killing/murder (19)

 Anna 1.death: Anna 1 was slain by Penda 1: Bede.HE  iii.18
 Cadwallon 1-Penda 1.slaughter of people in Northumbria: There was a great slaughter both of the Church and the people of Northumbria, perpetrated by Cadwallon 1 and Penda 1.: Bede.HE  ii.20
 Edwin 2-Osfrith 1.killing by Cadwallon 1 and Penda 1: Edwin 2 was slain [E: by Cadwallon 1 and Penda 1 at Hatfield on 2 ides of October (= 14 October). Osfrith 1 was also slain with him.]: ASC (E)  633 EF(OE and Lat.) (633)
 Edwin 2.death: Edwin 2 was killed by the same heathen king who killed Oswald 1 later on.: Bede.HE  iii.9
 Oswald 1.death in battle: Oswald 1 was killed by the same heathen people and the same heathen Mercian king as his predecessor Edwin 2.: Bede.HE  iii.9, 24, v.24 (642)
 Oswald 1.killing: Oswald 1 ended his life in prayer when he was slain.: OEMart  171
 Oswald 1.killing by Penda 1: Here Oswald 1 was slain by Penda 1 at Maserfeld on the day of the nones of August [= 5 August].: ASC (E)  641 E (641)
 Oswiu 1.killing of Penda 1 and others: Here Oswiu 1 slew Penda 1 at Winwidfeld and thirty royal offspring with him, some of whom were kings (Anonymi 1312): one was Ęthelhere 1.: ASC (E)  654 EF(OE and Lat.) (655)
 Penda 1.death: Penda 1 fled the battle but was killed by the sword.: Alcuin.VersEubor  529-52
 Penda 1.fighting at [Winwęd]: Penda 1, supported by 30 legions and the same number of most noble commanders, went up to Bernicia, to wage war against Oswiu 1. King Oswiu 1, along with his son Ealhfrith 1, came to meet him. He had only one legion, but had placed his reliance upon Christ's leadership. For Oswiu 1's other son, Ecgfrith 4, was at that time detained as a hostage in the province of Mercia in the household of Penda 1's queen, Cynewise 1. ... Even the son of Oswald 1, Ęthelwald 6, who ought to have been assisting Oswiu 1 and Ealhfrith 1 on that occasion, was on the side of their enemies. He had become a commander, and was to fight for them against his homeland and his uncle. On this particular occasion, although he had kept apart from them, he was awaiting the outcome of the battle in a safe place. And when battle was entered, the 30 pagan commanders of King Penda 1 were put to flight and slaughtered, and those who had come to his aid were almost all killed. Amongst the slain was the very person who had instigated the war, Ęthelhere 1, the brother of Anna 1, King of the East Angles, who became ruler in succession to him. King Oswiu 1 brought this war to a close in the 13th year of his reign, to the great benefit of both populaces.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
 Penda 1.killing: The killing of Penda 1.: AnnalsCamb  657 (655)
 Penda 1.killing Anna 1: Penda 1 killed Anna 1.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
 Penda 1.killing Ecgric: Penda 1 killed Ecgric 1.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
 Penda 1.killing Edwin 2: Penda 1 killed Edwin 2.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
 Penda 1.killing Oswald 1: Penda 1 killed Oswald 1.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
 Penda 1.killing Sigeberht 3: Sigeberht 3 was killed by Penda 1.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
 Penda 1.murder of Eadfrith 1: In spite of an oath, Penda 1 murdered Eadfrith 1.: Bede.HE  ii.20
 Penda 1.war against the East Angles: King Penda 1 went forth to war against the East Angles. Seeing they were being worsted in the war, they asked Sigeberht 3 to come with them into battle as an encouragement to the soldiery. Indeed, as he was unwilling and refused, they extracted him against his will from the monastery and led him into battle, hoping that the soldiers' spirits would become less panic-stricken, and less inclined to flee, in the presence of a chieftan who had once been very strenuous. But the holy man, mindful of his profession, all the time that he was surrounded by the mass ranks of the conquering army, refused to hold anything but just a staff in his hand, and he was killed, along with Ecgric 1 and as the pagans kept on attacking their whole army was massacred and routed.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.1 (637)
 Sigeberht 3-Ecgric 1.being killed by Penda 1's army: King Penda 1 went forth to war against the East Angles. Seeing they were being worsted in the war, they asked Sigeberht 3 to come with them into battle as an encouragement to the soldiery. Indeed, as he was unwilling and refused, they extracted him against his will from the monastery and led him into battle, hoping that the soldiers' spirits would become less panic-stricken, and less inclined to flee, in the presence of a chieftan who had once been very strenuous. But the holy man, mindful of his profession, all the time that he was surrounded by the mass ranks of the conquering army, refused to hold anything but just a staff in his hand, and he was killed, along with Ecgric 1 and as the pagans kept on attacking their whole army was massacred and routed.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.1

Kingdom - accession to (2)

 Penda 1.accession to kingdom: Here Penda 1 acceded to the kingdom.: ASC (E)  626 E (626 x 632)
 Penda 1.accession to the kingdom: Penda 1 was fifty when he acceded to the kingdom.: ASC  626 ABCG (?626 x 632)

Marital desertion/separation/repudiation (2)

 Cenwealh 2.desertion of sister (Anonymous 216) of Penda 1: Cenwealh 2 deserted the sister (Anonymous 216) of Penda 1.: ASC  658 ACEG, <658> B
 Cenwealh 2.exile among East Angles (Anonymi 805): Penda 1 had driven Cenwealh 2 into exile among the East Angles (Anonymi 805) for three years because Cenwealh 2 had deserted Penda 1's sister (Anonymous 216).: ASC  658 ACEG, <658> B

Marriage (1)

 Penda 1.driving Cenwealh 2 from his kingdom: After repudiating the sister of Penda 1, King of Mercia, to whom he had been married, Cenwealh 2 took a second wife, and consequently he was harried in war and deprived of his kingdom by Penda 1.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7

Martyrdom (1)

 Oswald 1.killing: Oswald 1 ended his life in prayer when he was slain.: OEMart  171

Miracle (2)

 Aidan 1.miracle of the fire at Bamburgh: While Aidan 1 was staying on Farne Island, he saw the flames coming from Bamburgh, which Penda 1 was trying to set on fire. He prayed to the Lord and the winds carried the flames in the direction of those who had kindled them.: Bede.HE  iii.16
 Aidan 1.post-mortem miracle of the buttress: When Penda 1 came to Northumbria to destroy everything he could, the village in which Aidan 1 had died was burnt down. The buttress alone, against which the bishop had been leaning before dying, was not devoured by the flames. After the church was rebuilt, it was burnt down again because of carelessness. On this occasion too the flames could not touch the buttress. When the third church was built, the buttress was put inside as a memorial of the miracle. Since then, many obtained the grace of healing at this place.: Bede.HE  iii.17

Mustering (1)

 Penda 1.raising of army (Anonymi 1101): Penda 1 raised an army (Anonymi 1101).: Alcuin.VersEubor  520-2

Peace agreement (1)

 Cynegils 1-Cwichelm 1.agreement with Penda 1: [Cynegils 1 and Cwichelm 1] then reached an agreement [with Penda 1].: ASC  628 ABCEG (628)

Praying (3)

 Aidan 1.miracle of the fire at Bamburgh: While Aidan 1 was staying on Farne Island, he saw the flames coming from Bamburgh, which Penda 1 was trying to set on fire. He prayed to the Lord and the winds carried the flames in the direction of those who had kindled them.: Bede.HE  iii.16
 Oswald 1.death in battle: Oswald 1 died with a prayer on his lips. This had become proverbial in Bede 1's time. The proverb ran 'May God have mercy on their souls, as Oswald 1 said when he fell to the earth'.: Bede.HE  iii.12
 Oswald 1.killing: Oswald 1 ended his life in prayer when he was slain.: OEMart  171

Raiding (1)

 Cadwallon 1-Penda 1.destruction of land of Northumbrians: Cadwallon 1 and Penda 1 went and ravaged all the land of the Northumbrians.: ASC (E)  633 E (633)

Rebellion/sedition (1)

 Cadwallon 1-Edwin 2.battle of Hatfield: Cadwallon 1 rebelled against Edwin 2 and a fierce battle was fought on the plain of Hatfield.: Bede.HE  ii.20 (633)

Refusal (2)

 Penda 1.war against the East Angles: King Penda 1 went forth to war against the East Angles. Seeing they were being worsted in the war, they asked Sigeberht 3 to come with them into battle as an encouragement to the soldiery. Indeed, as he was unwilling and refused, they extracted him against his will from the monastery and led him into battle, hoping that the soldiers' spirits would become less panic-stricken, and less inclined to flee, in the presence of a chieftan who had once been very strenuous. But the holy man, mindful of his profession, all the time that he was surrounded by the mass ranks of the conquering army, refused to hold anything but just a staff in his hand, and he was killed, along with Ecgric 1 and as the pagans kept on attacking their whole army was massacred and routed.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.1 (637)
 Sigeberht 3-Ecgric 1.being killed by Penda 1's army: King Penda 1 went forth to war against the East Angles. Seeing they were being worsted in the war, they asked Sigeberht 3 to come with them into battle as an encouragement to the soldiery. Indeed, as he was unwilling and refused, they extracted him against his will from the monastery and led him into battle, hoping that the soldiers' spirits would become less panic-stricken, and less inclined to flee, in the presence of a chieftan who had once been very strenuous. But the holy man, mindful of his profession, all the time that he was surrounded by the mass ranks of the conquering army, refused to hold anything but just a staff in his hand, and he was killed, along with Ecgric 1 and as the pagans kept on attacking their whole army was massacred and routed.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.1

Retirement (1)

 Cenwealh 2.exile: After repudiating Anonymous 216, Cenwealh 2 was attacked by her brother, Penda 1, who deprived him of his kingdom. He then retired to the court of Anna 1.: Bede.HE  iii.7

Speech (1)

 Oswald 1.death in battle: Oswald 1 died with a prayer on his lips. This had become proverbial in Bede 1's time. The proverb ran 'May God have mercy on their souls, as Oswald 1 said when he fell to the earth'.: Bede.HE  iii.12

Treaty (1)

 Oswiu 1-Penda 1.treaty: Oswiu 1 was forced to promise Penda 1 an incalculable store of royal treasures and gifts as the price of peace, on condition that Penda 1 would cease to devastate.: Bede.HE  iii.24

War (5)

 Cynegils 1-Cwichelm 1.battle against Penda 1 near Cirencester: Cynegils 1 and Cwichelm 1 waged a war against Penda 1 near a town called Cirencester.: Ęthelweard.Chron  ii.6 (628)
 Penda 1.driving Cenwealh 2 from his kingdom: After repudiating the sister of Penda 1, King of Mercia, to whom he had been married, Cenwealh 2 took a second wife, and consequently he was harried in war and deprived of his kingdom by Penda 1.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
 Penda 1.fighting at [Winwęd]: Penda 1, supported by 30 legions and the same number of most noble commanders, went up to Bernicia, to wage war against Oswiu 1. King Oswiu 1, along with his son Ealhfrith 1, came to meet him. He had only one legion, but had placed his reliance upon Christ's leadership. For Oswiu 1's other son, Ecgfrith 4, was at that time detained as a hostage in the province of Mercia in the household of Penda 1's queen, Cynewise 1. ... Even the son of Oswald 1, Ęthelwald 6, who ought to have been assisting Oswiu 1 and Ealhfrith 1 on that occasion, was on the side of their enemies. He had become a commander, and was to fight for them against his homeland and his uncle. On this particular occasion, although he had kept apart from them, he was awaiting the outcome of the battle in a safe place. And when battle was entered, the 30 pagan commanders of King Penda 1 were put to flight and slaughtered, and those who had come to his aid were almost all killed. Amongst the slain was the very person who had instigated the war, Ęthelhere 1, the brother of Anna 1, King of the East Angles, who became ruler in succession to him. King Oswiu 1 brought this war to a close in the 13th year of his reign, to the great benefit of both populaces.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7
 Penda 1.war against the East Angles: King Penda 1 went forth to war against the East Angles. Seeing they were being worsted in the war, they asked Sigeberht 3 to come with them into battle as an encouragement to the soldiery. Indeed, as he was unwilling and refused, they extracted him against his will from the monastery and led him into battle, hoping that the soldiers' spirits would become less panic-stricken, and less inclined to flee, in the presence of a chieftan who had once been very strenuous. But the holy man, mindful of his profession, all the time that he was surrounded by the mass ranks of the conquering army, refused to hold anything but just a staff in his hand, and he was killed, along with Ecgric 1 and as the pagans kept on attacking their whole army was massacred and routed.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.1 (637)
 Sigeberht 3-Ecgric 1.being killed by Penda 1's army: King Penda 1 went forth to war against the East Angles. Seeing they were being worsted in the war, they asked Sigeberht 3 to come with them into battle as an encouragement to the soldiery. Indeed, as he was unwilling and refused, they extracted him against his will from the monastery and led him into battle, hoping that the soldiers' spirits would become less panic-stricken, and less inclined to flee, in the presence of a chieftan who had once been very strenuous. But the holy man, mindful of his profession, all the time that he was surrounded by the mass ranks of the conquering army, refused to hold anything but just a staff in his hand, and he was killed, along with Ecgric 1 and as the pagans kept on attacking their whole army was massacred and routed.: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.1

Factoids linked indirectly to Penda 1 (4)

Office (3)

Dux of Penda 1 (1)

 Anonymi 646: Bede.HE  iii.24

Queen of Penda 1 (2)

 Cynewise 1: Bede.HE  iii.24 (Penda's queen)
 Cynewise 1: Anon.LiberEliensis  I.7

Occupation (1)

Warrior of Penda 1 (1)

 Anonymi 1101: Alcuin.VersEubor  520