By 670, when Oswiu died, Wulfhere was the most powerful king in southern England. He was effectively the overlord of England south of the Humber from the early 660s, although not overlord of Northumbria as his father had been. In 674, he challenged Oswiu's son Ecgfrith of Northumbria, but was defeated. He died, probably of disease, in 675. Wulfhere was succeeded as King of Mercia by his brother, Æthelred. Stephen of Ripon's Life of Wilfrid describes Wulfhere as "a man of proud mind, and insatiable will".Colgrave, Life of Bishop Wilfred, c. 20.
by 670 when oswiu died wulfhere was the most powerful king in southern england he was effectively the overlord of england south of the humber from the early 660s although not overlord of northumbria as his father had been in 674 he challenged oswiu's son ecgfrith of northumbria but was defeated he died probably of disease in 675 wulfhere was succeeded as king of mercia by his brother æthelred stephen of ripon's life of wilfrid describes wulfhere as "a man of proud mind and insatiable will"colgrave life of bishop wilfred c 20