Berhtwald
Berhtwald was the ninth Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from 693 to 731. He is notable for initiating the first continuous series of native-born Archbishops of Canterbury and for presiding over councils that helped resolve the long-standing dispute concerning Wilfrid of York. His tenure also saw the conversion of Sussex to Christianity and the exemption of the church from taxation in Kent.
Key Facts
- ›Ninth Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from 693 to 731.
- ›First in a continuous line of native-born Archbishops of Canterbury.
- ›Presided over councils that addressed the Wilfrid of York issue, culminating in a compromise.
- ›Received the first surviving letter close in Western Europe during his tenure.
- ›Involved in establishing the Bishopric of Sherborne and the conversion of Sussex.
- ›His reign coincided with King Wihtred of Kent's exemption of the church from taxation.
- Initiated the First Continuous Series of Native-Born Archbishops of Canterbury.
- Presided Over Councils That Helped Settle the Wilfrid of York Issue.
- Involved In the Establishment of the Bishopric of Sherborne.
- Witnessed the Conversion of Sussex To Christianity.
- Secured Exemption of the Church From Taxation In the Kingdom of Kent.
- Received the First Surviving Letter Close In Western Europe.
About Berhtwald
Berhtwald served as the ninth Archbishop of Canterbury from 693 to 731. His pontificate is marked by significant developments in the English church and the establishment of a continuous line of native-born archbishops. He was the first in this unbroken succession, a distinction that sets him apart from his Anglo-Saxon predecessors.
Life and Historical Context
Born around the mid-seventh century, Berhtwald's early life remains largely obscure. However, by 679, he held the position of abbot at the monastery in Reculver, Kent. His election as Archbishop of Canterbury occurred on July 1, 692, following a two-year vacancy in the see. This extended vacancy was attributed to the turbulent political conditions in the kingdom of Kent, marked by disputes over succession and raids by various kings.
Berhtwald's consecration took place on June 29, 693, in Gaul, likely undertaken because he sought broader support for his election. Upon his return, he journeyed to Rome to gain the endorsement of Pope Sergius I, who subsequently wrote letters in support of Berhtwald to Anglo-Saxon rulers and bishops. Sergius I also bestowed upon Berhtwald a pallium, the symbol of archiepiscopal authority.
Major Contributions
Berhtwald's tenure as archbishop saw several key achievements. He played a crucial role in resolving the protracted dispute involving Wilfrid, the Bishop of York. This involved presiding over councils, most notably the Council of Austerfield in 702 and the Council of Nidd around 706, where a compromise was reached that allowed Wilfrid to hold the Bishopric of Hexham.
During his time, the church in Kent benefited from significant privileges. King Wihtred's laws, issued in 695, exempted the church from taxation, a measure Berhtwald co-operated closely with the king to implement. Furthermore, Berhtwald was involved in the establishment of the Bishopric of Sherborne in Wessex and witnessed the conversion of Sussex, the last pagan kingdom in England, to Christianity.
Legacy
Berhtwald died on January 13, 731, and was buried in Canterbury. He is remembered as the initiator of the continuous line of native-born Archbishops of Canterbury. He was later canonized, with his feast day celebrated on January 9. While evidence of extensive cult activity is limited, his sainthood is supported by later medieval records. Berhtwald's archiepiscopacy represents a period of consolidation and expansion for the English church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Berhtwald live and serve as Archbishop of Canterbury?
Berhtwald died in 731, and his tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury began on July 1, 692, with his consecration on June 29, 693. He served until his death.
What makes Berhtwald significant in the history of the Archbishops of Canterbury?
Berhtwald is significant because he was the ninth Archbishop of Canterbury and the first in a continuous line of native-born archbishops. Previous Anglo-Saxon archbishops did not succeed each other in an unbroken sequence until after his successor.
What role did Berhtwald play in the Wilfrid of York dispute?
Berhtwald presided over two councils that attempted to settle the long struggle of Wilfrid to regain the Bishopric of York. He finally succeeded in resolving the issue at the second council in 705, though Wilfrid's problems had begun before Berhtwald's tenure.
Were there any notable religious or political events during Berhtwald's archiepiscopacy?
During Berhtwald's time, Sussex, the last pagan kingdom in England, was converted to Christianity. King Wihtred of Kent also exempted the church from taxation, a privilege that Berhtwald co-operated closely with the king to secure.
What is known about Berhtwald's early life?
Little is known of Berhtwald's ancestry or early life, but he was born around the middle of the seventh century. By 679, he had become the abbot of the monastery at Reculver in Kent.
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