Oswald, St (c. 605–642)

King of Northumbria from 634, after killing the Welsh king Cadwallon. He became a Christian convert during exile on the Scottish island of Iona. With the help of St Aidan he furthered the spread of Christianity in northern England. Feast day 9 August.

Oswald was defeated and killed by King Penda of Mercia.

Oswald, St (died 992)

English archbishop of York from 972. He was associated with St Dunstan and St Ethelwold in the revival of ecclesiastical discipline and monastic life in England, himself founding the abbey of Ramsey and the monastery at Worcester, which later became the cathedral priory. He became bishop of Worcester in 961.