Osbald de Northumbria

Osbald was King of Northumbria during 796. He was a friend of Alcuin, bishop of York who often advised him.

Osbald was a violent man and probably a murderer. On January 9, 780, he murdered Bearn, son of Ælfwald, burning him at Selectune (possibly Silton, North Yorkshire). In 793 Alcuin wrote two letters to Osbald urging him to leave his extravagant way of life. He criticized his greedy behavior, luxurious clothing, and his pagan haircut. He encouraged him to dedicate himself to God because "luxury in emperors means poverty for people."

Osbald became king of Northumbria in 796 as the country dissolved into anarchy. He ruled for 27 days before being abandoned by the royal house and the village. He was exiled in Lindisfarne.

Soon after, Osbald sailed to Pictland with his companions, where he was welcomed by Caustantín, King of the Picts.

Osbald named two sites around the Northumbria area:

Osbald died in 799 and was buried in York Minster.

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