Editing Eanflæd (section)

==Return, marriage==

In 642 [[Oswiu]], King of [[Bernicia]], head of the rival Northumbrian royal family,<!-- seems a better term than dynasty--> sent a priest named Utta to Kent, which then was ruled by Eanflæd's cousin, [[Eorcenberht of Kent|Eorcenberht]], to ask for her hand in marriage.<ref>Bede, ''Ecclesiastical History'', Book III, Chapter 15.</ref> Oswiu already had been married, to a British princess, named [[Rhiainfellt|Rieinmellt]], but recently had become king on the death of his brother, [[Oswald of Northumbria|Oswald]], at the [[battle of Maserfield]]. King [[Penda of Mercia]], the victor of Maserfield, dominated central [[Great Britain|Britain]] and Oswiu was in need of support. Marriage with Eanflæd would provide Kentish, and perhaps Frankish, support, and any children Oswiu and Eanflæd might have would have strong claims to all of Northumbria.<ref>Higham, ''Convert Kings'', p. 225; Holdsworth "Oswiu"; Thacker.</ref> The date of the marriage is not recorded.<ref>Thacker states "in or shortly after 642"; Holdsworth, "Oswiu", prefers 643.</ref>

If Oswiu's goal in marrying Eanflæd was the peaceful acceptance of his rule in Deira, the plan was unsuccessful. By 644 [[Oswine of Deira|Oswine]], Eanflæd's paternal second cousin, was ruling in Deira.<ref>Kirby, pp. 91–92; Yorke, 'Kings'', pp. 78–79.</ref> In 651 Oswine was killed by one of Oswiu's generals. To expiate the killing of his wife's kinsman, Oswiu founded [[Gilling Abbey]] at [[Gilling East|Gilling]] where prayers were said for both kings.<ref>Bede, ''Ecclesiastical History'', Book III, Chapter 14; Holdsworth, "Oswiu"; Thacker; Higham, ''Convert Kings'', pp. 226–230.</ref>