discover King Oswald's remarkable story
St Oswald’s church, Heavenfield is on the site of what is believed to be the location where King Oswald raised a large wooden cross and called his troops to pray before the battle of Heavenfield (circa AD 633)
The significance of the battle of Heavenfield lies in the re-establishment of Celtic Christianity which led to the Golden Age of the Kingdom of Northumbria. The place of battle is now a tranquil hilltop church, a spiritual place which has been a place of prayer, inspiration and pilgrimage for centuries.
Heavenfield was the site of a decisive battle where King Oswald of Northumbria defeated King Cadwallon of Gwynedd. Oswald's army camped near Hadrian’s Wall and prayed before raising a wooden cross for divine protection. The Northumbrians took advantage of higher ground, overwhelming Cadwallon's forces, who fled, Cadwallon was killed at Rowley Burn. Oswald, educated on Iona and a committed Christian, ruled Northumbria for seven more years until he died at Maserfield in 642, fighting King Penda of Mercia.
You find Heavenfield and St. Oswald’s on the B6318 between Low Brunton and Port Gate. There is a small lay-by, easily identified by a large wooden cross, where 5 or 6 cars can park. The church and its graveyard can be seen about 400 metres away. Pass through the wooden gate and follow the worn path up to the hill.
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Photo © Enspire