644AD. Oswine the son of Osric who had spent a good portion of his life as an exile in Wessex, became king of Deira when the Deirians rejected the rule of Oswiu. A handsome, pious and courtly man he became friendly with St Aidan.
Bede wrote of Oswine; "King Oswine was tall and handsome, pleasant of speech, courteous in manner, and bountiful to high and low alike; so it came about that he was beloved by all because of his royal dignity which showed itself in his character, his appearance, and his actions; and noblemen from almost every kingdom came to serve him. Among all the other graces of virtue and modesty with which, he was blessed in a special manner, his humility was said to be the greatest."
Oswine had reigned in peace for nearly nine years before Oswiu declared war against him.
651AD. Oswine raised an army against Oswiu and marched to meet him in battle at Catraeth (Catterick) but on seeing the size of Oswiu's army he realised that he was greatly outnumbered and after disbanding his army fled the scene with one of his trusted retainers. Oswine went into hiding at the estate of a friend, Earl Hunwald at Gilling near to Richmond. Hunwald however, betrayed him and Oswine was executed by Eathelwin at Gilling on the orders of Oswiu.
Oswiu's queen Eanflaed, who was the cousin of Oswine, was outraged, demanded that a blood price be paid and with the help of the church forced Oswiu to build as a penance a monastery at Gilling and dedicate it with Abott Trumhere a relative of Oswine
Oswine was buried at Gilling first but shortly afterwards his remains were transfered toTynemouth and his shrine became a place of pilgrimage.
