Penda Dies

Penda Dies

In this ATL, at the POD the pagan king Penda of Mercia was killed by Oswald of Northumbria, instead of the latter being killed and dismembered by the former at the Battle of Maserfield on August 5, 642. Oswald never became a martyr. Northumbria became lead kingdom of the Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy thirteen years earlier. Oswald appointed his brother Oswiu as ruler of northern Mercia, but allowed Peada, son of Penda, to rule southern Mercia. On November 15, Peada and his brothers attempted to reclaim their patrimony at the Battle of the Winwaed. They failed and were killed. Oswiu, who had succeeded his brother in Northumbria, now controlled northern and central England and had inimicable foes in the Welsh prince, allies of Penda and Peada.

The coin of the kingdom became the saldy, of which 120 made a pound.