Happy St Oswald's Day

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St Oswald's Flag Who? You might well ask. Oswald was king of Northumbria during the early 7th century. He was king when the Northumbrians defeated the Britons at the Battle of Heavenfield in 635. This comprehensive victory over the pagan Britons resulted in the reunification of Northumbria and led to an the era of greatness for the kingdom. By 638, Oswald was secure at home and looking towards expansion. Bede suggests that the king was recognised as Bretwalda or overlord of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

Obviously, power breeds jealousy and King Penda of Mercia gathered a large force of Mercians and Welsh to bring an end to Oswald's reign. The armies clashed in 642 at Maserfield (now Oswestry or Oswald's Tree) in Shropshire and Oswald was killed on the 5th of August.

Oswald was hacked to pieces by the victors. The story goes that his body was taken from the battle field on a gold cloth which became soaked with the king's blood - so giving rise the flag that you should see at the top of this post. It is believed to be the oldest flag in the UK and forms the basis of Northumberland's county flag. Personally, I prefer the original.

Anyway, I'm Northumbrian and Oswald, along with St Cuthbert, is an important part of the area's history so may I suggest a pint of your favourite Mordue or Wylam ale and a pie.

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