Aethelfrith

Aethelfrith was a king of Northumbria who reigned from approximately 604 to 616. He was a son of Aethelric and belonged to the royal house of Deira. Aethelfrith is notable for his military successes and for consolidating the power of the Angle kingdom of Bernicia, which he inherited. He is credited with expanding Bernician territory significantly.

His reign saw a major victory against the Britons at the Battle of Chester around 616, which is believed to have severely disrupted the British kingdoms in the north and west. Another significant event during his rule was the Battle of Din Cetal, where he is said to have defeated the forces of the British kingdom of Rheged. Aethelfrith also played a role in the eventual unification of the kingdoms of Bernicia and Deira into what would become Northumbria.

Aethelfrith's reign ended around 616 when he was killed in battle. He was succeeded by Edwin, who had been exiled by Aethelfrith. Aethelfrith's legacy is primarily as a formidable warrior king who expanded Angle dominance in northern Britain.