Little is known of his life, although he is mentioned briefly in the various Anglo-Saxon chronicles, and he has been purported, since ancient times, to be the father of St Frideswide, patron saint of Oxford.
[2] It is speculated that he was a Mercian nobleman who was raised to the status of sub-king by Wulfhere of Mercia; although it is not known for certain how long he held this position,[2] or even if he lost his authority only upon his death.
In a Vita (or Life) of St Frideswide, William of Malmsbury mentioned Dida, and describes him as "a catholic and upright man",[3] who was married to a "worthy wife" named Safrida.
When Safrida died, Dida built a church at the behest of his daughter, dedicating it to the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary and all the saints.
After the death of Dida, a certain Algar of Leicestershire (apparently Æthelbald of Mercia)[1] succeeded him and wooed Frideswide; but she, rejecting his advances, escaped from him until the providence of God caused him to fall from his horse and break his neck.