The union of the two realms was never henceforth to be dissolved; and its influence was at once seen in the renewal of Christianity throughout Britain.

East-Anglia, conquered as it was, had clung to its faith.

Wessex quietly became Christian again.
Penda's own son, whom he had set over the Middle-English, received baptism and teachers from Lindisfarne.

At last the missionaries of the new belief appeared fearlessly among the Mercians themselves.

Penda gave them no hindrance.