Old Saxony, the original homeland of the Saxons in the northwest corner of modern Germany, roughly corresponds today to the modern German states of Lower Saxony, Westphalia and western Saxony-Anhalt.

The Continental Saxons living in what is known as Old Saxony appear to have consolidated themselves by the beginning of the eighth century, controlling much of northwest Germany.

Two priests, called Ewald the Black and Ewald the Fair, had set out in 690 from Northumbria to convert the Old Saxons to Christianity.

It is recorded that at this time Old Saxony was divided into the ancient dioceses of Münster, Osnabrück, and Paderborn.

The pagan Saxons had become extremely hostile to the Christian priests and missionaries in their midst by 695 and began to realize that their aim was to convert their overlord and destroy their temples and religion.

Ewald the Fair was quickly murdered, but Ewald the Black was subjected to torture, and torn limb from limb; both bodies were cast into the Rhine.

This is understood to have happened on October 3, 695, at a place called Aplerbeck, near Dortmund, where a chapel still stands.

The two Ewalds are today celebrated as saints in Westphalia.