On 9 January AD 780, he killed Bearn, the son of King Ælfwald by burning him to death at Selectune (possibly Silton, North Yorkshire).
[1] In 793 Alcuin wrote two letters to Osbald urging him to give up his extravagant way of life.
He criticised his greedy behaviour, luxurious dress and his pagan hair style.
He warned him to devote himself to God because "Luxury in emperors means poverty for the people".
Think how much blood of emperors, princes, and people has been shed through you and your clan.Shortly afterwards, Osbald sailed to Pictland with his companions, where he was given refuge by Caustantín, King of the Picts.