Early life Ecgfrith was born in 645 or less likely 646 to king Oswiu of Northumbria and his wife Eanflæd. At about the age of 10, Ecgfrith was held as a hostage at the court of Queen Cynewise, wife of King Penda of Mercia.Maddicott, "Ecgfrith" Penda was eventually defeated and killed in the Battle of the Winwaed by Oswiu, a victory which greatly enhanced Northumbrian power. To secure his hegemony over other English kingdoms Oswiu arranged a marriage between Ecgfrith and Æthelthryth, a daughter of Anna of East Anglia.
Early life Ecgfrith was born in 645 or less likely 646 to king Oswiu of Northumbria and his wife Eanflæd. At about the age of 10, Ecgfrith was held as a hostage at the court of Queen C,ynewise, wife of King Penda of Mercia.Maddicott, "Ecgfrith" Penda was eventually defeated and killed in the Battle of the Winwaed by Oswiu a victory which greatly enhanced Northumbrian power To secure his hegemony over other English. kingdoms Oswiu arr,anged a marriage between Ecgfrith and Æthelthryth a daughter of Anna of East Anglia.