Ælfwald I was a king of Northumbria who reigned from 779 until his death in 788. Born between 759 and 767, he was likely the son of Oswulf and a grandson of Eadberht Eating. He ascended to the throne following the deposition of Æthelred. His rule ended abruptly when he was murdered, possibly at the site of Chesters Roman Fort, by an ealdorman named Sicga.