Caedwalla

Also known as: Caedwal / king of the Britons · Family: Britons · Role: king · First appears: Book II · Chap. XX

In 633, Caedwalla, king of the Britons, rebelled against Edwin with the support of Penda. The following summer he killed Osric and his army, then, after occupying the Northumbrian provinces for a year, killed Eanfrid when he came seeking peace. Oswald later defeated and killed him at Denisesburna.

Around 678, Caedwalla, a young exile of the royal race of the Gewissae, slew Ethelwalch and “wasted that province with cruel slaughter and devastation.” Though Berthun and Andhun expelled him, he later killed Berthun after becoming king of the Gewissae. He conquered the Isle of Wight and attempted to replace its inhabitants, then fulfilled a vow by granting a quarter of the island and its spoils to Wilfrid. While recovering from wounds, he allowed Cynibert to instruct condemned royal boys in the Christian faith before their execution; they were baptized and then put to death.

In 689, after governing his nation for two years, Caedwalla abdicated and went to Rome for baptism. Sergius baptized him on Holy Saturday, gave him the name Peter, and, shortly afterward, Caedwalla died on 20 April while still wearing his white baptismal garments.