Glappa of Bernicia

Glappa of Bernicia, born around the year five hundred fifty, is recognized as the second known king of Bernicia. His reign, though brief, lasted from five hundred fifty-nine to five hundred sixty, marking a pivotal moment in the early history of this Anglo-Saxon kingdom.

Details surrounding Glappa's life and rule remain scarce, with historical records often presenting conflicting accounts. The earliest sources vary significantly regarding the sequence and duration of the kings who ruled between the death of Ida in five hundred fifty-nine and the ascension of Æthelfrith in the early 590s.

Interestingly, Glappa is not listed among the sons of Ida, his predecessor, yet he is acknowledged in regnal lists as Ida's successor. His reign, albeit lasting only one year, is noted for its obscurity, leaving historians with limited insights into his governance.

In the sixteenth century, John Foxe's influential work, Actes and Monuments of these Latter and Perillous Days, Touching Matters of the Church, also references Glappa, or Claspa, as a king of Bernicia, further cementing his place in the annals of history, albeit with little detail about his contributions or legacy.