 Aldfrith was born on an uncertain date to Oswiu of Northumbria and an Irish princess named Fín . Oswiu later became King of Northumbria ; he died in 670 and was succeeded by his son Ecgfrith . Aldfrith was educated for a career in the church and became a scholar . However , in 685 , when Ecgfrith was killed at the battle of Nechtansmere , Aldfrith was recalled to Northumbria , reportedly from the Hebridean island of Iona , and became king . 
