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24 YORK.
Edwin's head was brought to York by some of his
faithful followers and placed in the basilica of St.
Peter, the erection of which, as already stated, he
had himself commenced. His body was likewise recovered,
and was subsequently buried at Whitby. ^
A miserable year of tyranny and oppression followed.
Cadwallon's feelings towards the Angles were
those of the bitterest animosity, unsoftened by any
recognition of a common Christianity. The antipathies
of race were powerful with this savage prince,
and he utterly refused to show any respect to the
convictions of those who had received their knowledge
of the Gospel from another and a hated source.
Osric, a cousin of Edwin, on the death of the
latter,
exercised a precarious sovereignty in Deira, as did
Eanfrid, the eldest son of Ethelfrid, in Bernicia.
Both were Christians, but both now apostatised,
under the idea of recommending themselves to
Penda, and obtaining the support of that portion of
Northumbria which still adhered to Paganism. Their
apostasy secured not their safety. The blow was
struck by Cadwallon, with impious hand, indeed, says
Bede, but with a swift and just retribution. Osric
made a rash attempt in the summer of 634 to seize
the fortress at York, which was held by Cadwallon,
and was slain. Before the end of the year Eanfrid,
who ventured to approach the tyrant, accompanied
by a small band of followers, to sue for peace, was
ruthlessly put to death, and Cadwallon remained
master of the great province of Northumbria.
It is almost needless to say that flight was abso-
' Bede's "Ecclesiastical History," iii. p. 24.