796AD. Eardwulf came back from his years of exile and took the throne.
From the Anglo Saxon Chronicles: "And eardwulf came to the throne of Northumbria on may the 14th, he was afterwards consecrated by Archbishop Eanbald and Aethelbald and Hygebald and Baldwulf."
798AD, Eardwulf may have married an illegitimate daughter of Charlemagne.
Earldorman Wada with others, in a plot against the king, raised a rebel army and Eardwulf marched against them. The two sides met at the ridge of Billington moor (Near Whalley Lancashire). It was a hard fought, bloody, battle with many casualties on both sides but in the end Eardwulf's forces prevailed and the beaten Wada fled intoto Mercia.
799AD. Eardwulf ordered an Earldorman called Moll killed for plotting against him.
800AD. Ealhmund the son of Alchred along with other fugitives was siezed by the guards of King Eardwulf and put to death.
More raids from the Vikings. This time they plunder the monasteries of Whitby, Hartlepool and Tynemouth.
801AD. Eardwulf gathered an army and marched on Coenwulf of Mercia. Coenwulf had for long time been harbouring his enemies and Eardwulf was intent on teaching him a lesson. After a long campaign with neither side gaining the upper hand, The nobles and bishops negotiated a peace and the two kings confirmed it under oath.
806AD. In a plot backed with the help of Mercia, Eardwulf was driven out and Aelfwald II. took his place.
Eardwulf travelled to the court of Charlemagne to put his case. On the advice of the emperor he then travelled to Rome for discussions with the Pope.
