Yeavering is situated at the western end of a valley known as Glendale in Northumberland where there has been a settlement since the Bronze age or 5000 years ago. However the real importance of this settlement began in the 6th century when the newly-established Anglo-Saxon kings of Northumbria built a royal residence here named Ad Gefrin. The royal family did not have a central seat of power, but rather the kings established royal halls in several locations throughout their territory and moved from one to the other, administering justice and receiving tribute from the local area.

Ad Gefrin was one of these regional administrative centres, a place where the royal court would live for a period before moving on to the next royal settlement. For over 100 years Ad Gefrin was the focal point for important historical events.