During his rule he witnessed a setback in the aspirations of Mercia to dominate its neighbours, following the Battle of the Winwæd and the murder of Penda's son, Peada.
Durante o seu goberno foi testemuña do revés nas aspiracións de Mercia para dominar aos seus veciños, tras a Batalla de Winwaed e o asasinato de Peada, fillo de Penda.