Ælfwald II of Northumbria

Ælfwald II of Northumbria emerged as a significant figure in the early medieval history of England, ascending to the throne following the deposition of Eardwulf in the year eight hundred six. His reign, though brief, is noted in the anonymous tract De primo Saxonum adventu and later in the Flores Historiarum by Roger of Wendover, who claims that Ælfwald successfully overthrew Eardwulf.

His rule lasted for a mere two years, during which time Ælfwald's authority was challenged by the return of Eardwulf, who regained his position with the support of the Emperor Charlemagne and Pope Leo III. There is also speculation that Eardwulf's son, Eanred, may have succeeded to the throne instead of Eardwulf himself.

Despite the scarcity of contemporary written records regarding Ælfwald's reign, a modest number of coins minted during his time have survived. These coins, produced in York by a moneyer named Cuthheard, are significant as they also represent the currency of Eardwulf's reign.

The life of Ælfwald II has been the subject of imaginative reconstruction, notably by Lakeland author W. G. Collingwood in his 1917 work, The Likeness of King Elfwald: A Study of Iona and Northumbria. Collingwood's extensive study of Northumbria culminated in his later publication, Northumbrian Crosses of the pre-Norman Age, which has been well received and reprinted over the years.