Oswald of Liscumb (died 878) was the Steward of Liscumb in Wessex during the 9th century.
Biography[]
Oswald was born in Liscumb, Wessex, and he managed the town's finances under its lord, the father of Mildrith. Mildrith was friendly with Oswald, whom she trusted, and Oswald managed the impoverished town while Mildrith was under the tutelage of Ealdorman Odda of Devon. In 878, he was introduced to Earl Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the town's new lord, and he was outwardly friendly. However, he slept in Uhtred's bed with a prostitute during Uhtred's absence, and Uhtred walked in on them having sex, leading to Uhtred threatening to kill Oswald if he transgressed again. After returning home from Winchester following the Battle of Cynwit, Uhtred saw Oswald hauling a felled tree which belonged to Uhtred, and he questioned where Oswald was selling it. Oswald was unable to explain his actions, as he had been embezzling the money. Oswald ran away when Uhtred drew his sword, but Uhtred trampled him with his horse, dismounted, and stabbed him dead, dealing justice in front of the town and his horrified wife, Mildrith.
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