651AD. After the execution of oswine on the orders of Oswiu, Aethelwald the son of Oswald and Oswiu's nephew, became the replacement sub king of Deira and seemed at first to accept the overloadship of Oswiu. However, later he became dissatisfied and aligned himself with Penda of Mercia.
654AD. Aethelwald gave a parcel of land to St Cedd to enable him to found Lastingham Priory.
655AD. When Penda of Mercia gathered his great army and marched north to confront Oswiu Aethelwald joined forces and led Penda to Oswiu’s fortress at Ludeu (Stirling). Oswiu was besieged and after negotiating a deal Penda turned for home. Oswiu followed and caught up with Penda at the river Winwaed near leeds. Aethelwald took no part in the ensuing battle, which probably helped in Penda's downfall. Penda was beaten and killed.
King Aethelwald of Deira was removed from power by his uncle Oswiu and replaced by Oswiu's son Alcfrith as sub king.
No one knows what happened to Aethelwald afterwards, but local rumours had it, that he became a hermit in Kirkdale, Yorkshire.
