Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms

Deira

This Angle kingdom was founded in AD 559 from the earlier Celtic region of the same name (pronounced Deywr in the Celtic tongue). It, like Bernicia, was settled by Angles who were probably hired as mercenary soldiers. These Angles seem to have been present in the area for some time, and may even have enjoyed full autonomy in Deywr before they declared their kingdom, perhaps with the help of Bernicia. Both kingdoms then seem to have attacked British Ebrauc, which was stuck in between them.

The principal pagan temple site of the Deirans was at Goodmanham. At Sancton the region had the largest pagan cemetery in England. Cremation urns from Sancton are very similar to those found in the great Anglian cemetery at Borgstedt in southern Schleswig. Others are directly comparable to those in general use throughout Schleswig and Fyn. Dera wudu was the wood of the Deirans, located at Beverley in East Yorkshire. The sixth century history of the kingdom is largely unknown. Even its first recorded king has left little more than the name of Aelli (Ælle).

559

It seems more than coincidental that the Angles in Deira asserted their full independence at the same time as Ida of Bernicia dies. Up to now their new leader, Aelle, may have had a role as one of Ida's generals or allies who chooses this moment to assert his own independence.

559/60 - 588

Aelle / Aelli / Ulli

Sixth generation of Anglian leaders in Deywr.

588 - 593

Edwin

Son. Forced out by Ethelfrith.

593 - 616

Æthelfrith

King of Bernicia.

601

Testimony to the revival of the city of Eburacum (York) occurs when Pope Gregory announces his intention to make York the home of the Northern see, although it actually takes until 627 to persuade the Deiran king to be christened. However, the city remains on the western frontier of the kingdom, close to the border with British Elmet and is not regarded as the kingdom's heartland or focus point.

616 - 632

Edwin

Restored after taking control of Bernicia and returning to Deira.

c.616

Edwin forces the collapse of the British kingdom of North Rheged, although some of it survives and continues as an isolated enclave. He also conquers Ynys Manau.

617

Edwin conquers the British kingdom of Elmet.

c.620 - c.658

The increasingly powerful Bernician / Deiran throne begins to dominate the Lindisware.

632/3

Edwin is killed at Hatfield Chase by Penda of Mercia while the latter is allied to Cadwallon, king of Gwynedd, and High King of the Britons. Both of Edwin's sons are also killed, ending his royal line.

632 - 633

Osric

633 - 641

Oswald

King of Bernicia.

644 - 651

Oswine

Ruled until 20 August.

651 - 654

Æthelwald

Ruled until or after Nov 654.

654

Deira falls under Bernician control and a united Northumbria is created.