Oswald was born about AD 605. He was a Prince Bernicia (part of Northumbria). When he was a boy, his father was killed by King Edwin of Northumbria. He was made to live in exile (outside his country). Oswald's friend, King Domnall Brecc of Dalriada (in Scotland), helped him gather together a big army. After Edwin's death, they fought a big battle with the Welsh & the Mercians who were living in Northumbria. King Cadwallon of Gwynedd (in Wales) was killed and Oswald took back his kingdom. Oswald was a famous Christian. He did lots of good works. He helped the Irishman, St. Aidan, set up the monastery at Lindisfarne. He also made friends with the Kings of Wessex & North Rheged. His armies took over Gododdin (in Scotland). In AD 641, he was killed fighting King Penda of Mercia at Oswestry in Shropshire.