The most important Celtic Christian Site in England – Heavenfield's pagan altar

We explore the Battle of Heavenfield, fought in 633/34 AD between Oswald, heir to the throne of the Anglian Kingdom of Northumbria and his mortal enemy Cadwallon of Gwynedd. We learn about Oswald, his exile and the background to the battle, explore whether the battle was actually fought at Heavenfield, the miracles associated with the site and explore St. Oswald's church itself. In particular we try to reconcile the pagan Roman altar that can be found inside the church, specifically in relation to Heavenfield's legendary cross, and we consider the church's ancient consecration cross. ADDENDUM - Penda, the Pagan king of Mercia was not present at the battle of Heavenfield, I mispeak in the video about his presence, confusing the fact that he fought previously alongside Cadwallon against Edwin at the Battle of Hatfield Chase, according to Bede. 00:00 Intro 02:08 Hadrian's Wall 02:50 Background - Edwin & Paulinus 05:39 The coming of Oswald 09:29 The Heavenfield Cross 10:45 Battle of Heavenfield or Denisesburn 15:00 King Oswald & St. Aidan 17:30 Rosemary for remembrance 18:12 Church interior 19:49 Roman Pagan Altar 23:54 The Stone Cross 25:48 Font & church phases 27:25 Consecration Cross 29:09 Outro