Ælfric Puttoc
Ælfric Puttoc served as Archbishop of York from 1023 until his death in 1051, also briefly holding the Bishopric of Worcester. He played a role in the coronations of English kings and was known for promoting the cult of John of Beverley and founding houses of canons.
Key Facts
- ›Archbishop of York from 1023 to 1051.
- ›Briefly Bishop of Worcester from 1040 to 1041.
- ›May have crowned Harold Harefoot in 1036.
- ›Assisted in Harold Harefoot's disinterment in 1040.
- ›Assisted at the coronation of Edward the Confessor in 1043.
- ›Founded houses of canons and encouraged the cult of John of Beverley.
- Founded Houses of Canons
- Encouraged the Cult of John of Beverley
- Translated the Relics of John of Beverley Into A New Shrine
- Used the Descriptor 'Archipraesul' Instead of 'Archiepiscopus' On Charters
About Ælfric Puttoc
Ælfric Puttoc (died 1051)
Ælfric Puttoc was a prominent English churchman who served as the Archbishop of York from 1023 until his death on January 22, 1051. His tenure as archbishop marked a significant period in the Anglo-Saxon church, and he was involved in key political and religious events of his time.
Life and Historical Context
Ælfric's early career saw him as the provost of New Minster, Winchester, and he is believed to have been a native of Wessex. His consecration as Archbishop of York was performed by Æthelnoth, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Notably, Ælfric was the first archbishop of York to travel to Rome to receive his pallium from Pope John XIX in 1026, a departure from the previous practice of palliums being sent to York. During King Cnut's reign, he received the manor of Patrington. Ælfric's political allegiances shifted with the reigns of monarchs; while he may have crowned Harold Harefoot in 1036, he later supported Harthacnut, even assisting in the disinterment of Harold Harefoot's body. In 1040, he briefly held the Bishopric of Worcester, possibly through his own accusation against the incumbent, Lyfing.
Major Contributions
Beyond his political involvement, Ælfric Puttoc was a significant figure in religious development. He was instrumental in fostering the cult of Saint John of Beverley, translating the saint's relics to a new shrine at Beverley in 1037 and providing new buildings and endowments to the church. He continued the tradition of his predecessors by founding houses of canons within his archdiocese. A unique characteristic of his time as archbishop was his use of the descriptor 'archipraesul' on charters, rather than the more common 'archiepiscopus'.
Death and Legacy
Ælfric Puttoc died at Southwell and was buried in Peterborough Cathedral. While contemporary and later assessments of his character varied, with the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle calling him "very venerable and wise" and William of Malmesbury offering criticism, his impact on the church in northern England is evident. His nickname, "Puttoc," possibly meaning "kite" or "buzzard," may have been an invention by the monks of Worcester. The authorship of the Northumbrian Priests' Law is also debated, with Ælfric being a potential candidate alongside his predecessor and successor.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ælfric Puttoc serve as Archbishop of York?
Ælfric Puttoc served as Archbishop of York from 1023 until his death on January 22, 1051.
Did Ælfric Puttoc hold any other ecclesiastical offices?
Yes, Ælfric Puttoc was also briefly the Bishop of Worcester from 1040 to 1041. He acquired this see temporarily when Lyfing, the previous bishop, was disgraced.
What significant royal events did Ælfric Puttoc participate in?
Ælfric Puttoc may have crowned Harold Harefoot king in 1036. He also assisted in the disinterment of Harold Harefoot's body in 1040 and participated in the coronation of Edward the Confessor in 1043.
What were Ælfric Puttoc's notable religious contributions?
Ælfric Puttoc founded houses of canons within his archdiocese and actively encouraged the cult of Saint John of Beverley. He translated the saint's relics into a new shrine and provided endowments for the church.
Where did Ælfric Puttoc die and where is he buried?
Ælfric Puttoc died at Southwell on January 22, 1051, and he is buried in Peterborough Cathedral.
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