Aldfrid

Also known as: King Aldfrid · Family: Northumbrians · Role: king · First appears: Book IV · Chap. XXVI

In 684, Aldfrid succeeded his brother Egfrid as king of the Northumbrians; he was said to be the son of Oswy and “most learned in the Scriptures.” He ruled after Egfrid for nineteen years and nobly retrieved the kingdom’s ruined state, though within narrower bounds.

Around 696, Aldfrid attentively heard Haemgils relate his visions of the afterlife and, at his request, had him admitted to the monastery at Mailros and given the monastic tonsure. At the same time, Adamnan came on a mission to him, presented him with a book about the holy places, and was rewarded with many gifts before being sent back to his country. Aldfrid also became involved in Wilfrid’s attempted restoration, after John wrote to the English kings on his behalf, but Aldfrid disdained to receive him. In 705, Aldfrid died before the end of his twentieth year, and his son Osred succeeded him as king.