After he was forced off the throne of Deira in the 7th century, Edwin was murderously pursued by his rival, Æthelfrith. An unexpected visitor, however, promised to help Edwin regain his crown, in exchange for a promise of absolute trust, to be redeemed later - the sign would be a hand laid upon his head.

Edwin regained his throne in 616, and at once sought an alliance with the Kingdom of Kent by marriage. But he baulked at princess Ethelberga’s demand that he share her Christian faith, until her chaplain, Paulinus, showed him the secret sign of obedience he had long ago agreed. Chastened, the King gave way and was baptized the following Easter.

113 words