Theodric of Bernicia

Who was Theodric of Bernicia?

Theodric ruled from 572 to 579. He was the fifth known ruler of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Bernicia.

Theodric was the son of Ida of Bernicia, founder of the kingdom of Bernicia, and a brother of Hussa of Bernicia. Little is known of Theodric's life and reign although Urien, the king of Rheged, was said to have subjected Theodric and his sons to a three day siege on the island of Lindisfarne. According to medieval Welsh poetry such as Gweith Argoed Llwyfain from the Book of Taliesin, Theodric was killed in battle by Urien's son, Owain mab Urien, after Theodric demanded hostages and Owain refused to give in.

The dates for Theodric's rule are conjecture; the earliest authorities differ widely on the order and the regnal years of the kings between the death of Ida and the beginning of Æthelfrith's rule in 592/593.