Northumbria

Northumbria

Northumbria was a very old kingdom a long time ago. It started in the year 654 and lasted until 1066. It was in places we now call Northern England and Southern Scotland.

The name "Northumbria" means "the people north of the Humber." Before it was one kingdom, it was two smaller places called Deira and Bernicia. They joined together under leaders from Bernicia.

Northumbria was big at one time. It reached from the Humber to the Firth of Forth. Later, it was split up. Parts became part of England, and other parts became part of Scotland.

Kings and Leaders

Northumbria had many kings. Some well-known kings were:

• Edwin: He brought Christianity to Northumbria.
• Oswald: A strong king who helped Northumbria grow again.
• Oswiu: Oswald’s brother who helped unite Christian ways.

Religion and Monasteries

Northumbria was important for spreading Christianity. King Edwin became Christian, and many people followed. Later, a priest named Aidan helped more people become Christian. He started a monastery at Lindisfarne. This place became very important.

Culture and Art

Northumbria had rich culture. People made beautiful art and wrote stories. One famous book is the Lindisfarne Gospels. It has lovely drawings and knot-work. Writers like Bede wrote important books about history.

Language

People in Northumbria spoke Old English. Their language was called Northumbrian. Later, people from Norse areas came and brought their language, Old Norse. Many place-names today come from Old Norse.