Saint Oswald is the Patron of Northumbria, having reigned over that kingdom from 633 to 642 A.D. King Oswald’s reign was a saintly and just one, and he did much to spread Christianity among the Anglo-Saxons and Celts of his kingdom. He also valiantly defended Northumbria from its pagan enemies, including King Cadwallon of Gwynedd. The Venerable Bede records how Oswald ended his life praying for the souls of his soldiers when he saw that he was about to die. Saint Oswald’s royal standard still represents the historic County of Northumberland to this day.

In the battle that followed, the Welsh (Brytons) were routed despite their superior numbers; Cadwallon himself was killed. The pagan members of Oswald’s royal council also thereafter accepted baptism into Christ. He was killed in 642 A.D., by Mercians under the pagan king, Penda, at the Battle of Maserfield and his body was dismembered. The Venerable Bede records how Oswald ended his life praying for the souls of his soldiers when he saw that he was about to die. Saint Oswald’s royal standard still represents the Historic County of Northumberland to this day.

‍Saint Oswald is commemorated on August 5/18.