By the mid 600’s the conflicting forms of Christianity (Celtic and Roman) were causing confusion and economic problems.

The Synod of Whitby was summoned by King Oswiu of Northumbria at Whitby under the supervision of the abbess, Hilda

Both Celtic and Roman Christianity presented arguments of why their philosophy and lifestyle should be the prevalent religion on the island.

King Oswiu chose Roman Christianity over its Celtic counterpart, and after Whitby, Roman Christianity gradually took the place of Celtic Christianity.

But, as kings came to rule of more and more unified kingdoms and as their power grew, they struggled against the influence and power of Rome.