St. Edwin

Edwin who became the first Christian King of Northumbria was born around 585. He was the son of Ælla, King of Deira, who died in 588. A usurper took the throne, which Edwin was able to regain in 616. Edwin married Ethelberga, this sister of the Christian King of Kent in 625 and became a Christian; St. Paulinus baptized him in 627 and spent five weeks evangelizing the people of Northumbria. Edwin grew very devout, ardently wishing that his people be sincerely converted. Edwin made his kingdom safe, but in October 633 the pagan king of Mercia invaded Northumbria and Edwin was killed during battle on October 12. He is considered a martyr, since he died defending his people from enemies of the faith.