Today, 12th October, we remember St Edwin of Northumbria (c. 586–633), Anglo-Saxon king, Christian convert and martyr of the early English Church 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Edwin ruled Northumbria during the 7th century and became one of the most powerful kings in Anglo-Saxon England. Originally a pagan, he embraced Christianity through the influence of his wife, Queen Æthelburh, and the missionary St Paulinus. On Easter Sunday in 627, Edwin was baptised at York in a wooden church dedicated to St Peter, on the site of the present York Minster. His conversion helped establish Christianity throughout Northumbria. Under his protection, Paulinus preached, baptised and founded Christian communities across the kingdom. On 12th October 633, Edwin was killed at the Battle of Hatfield Chase, fighting against the combined forces of the pagan King Penda of Mercia and Cadwallon of Gwynedd. Following his death, Edwin was venerated as a Christian martyr, and his remains were associated with York and Whitby. His feast day is observed on 12th October, remembering one of England's earliest Christian kings and his role in bringing the Christian faith to northern England🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿