Bregowine
Bregowine was a medieval Archbishop of Canterbury who served from 761 until his death in 764. Little is known about his origins or early life, with most accounts emerging after the Norman conquest. His tenure as archbishop is primarily documented through surviving charters concerning land disputes and gifts, though many contemporary records are lost, limiting our knowledge of his time in office. He was later considered a saint.
Key Facts
- ›Conscrated Archbishop of Canterbury on 27 September 761.
- ›Died in August 764.
- ›His election occurred during a period of Kentish independence from Mercian dominance.
- ›Wrote letters to Archbishop Lul of Mainz.
- ›Protested the confiscation of a church at Cookham by King Cynewulf of Wessex.
- ›Consented to a gift of land in Canterbury from Dunwald, a thegn of King Æthelbert.
Protested the Loss of A Church At Cookham., Consented To A Gift of Land In Canterbury.
About Bregowine
Bregowine: Archbishop of Canterbury
Bregowine served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 27 September 761 until his death in August 764. Little is known about his origins or early life, with many speculative stories emerging after the Norman conquest in 1066. There are no contemporary records of him prior to his elevation to archbishop, and it is uncertain who facilitated his appointment, though he may have owed his position to the Kentish monarch.
Life and Historical Context
Bregowine's consecration as archbishop took place during a brief period when Kent was not under Mercian dominance, between 756 and 764. This historical context lends some credence to the theory that King Æthelbert II of Kent may have played a role in his election. His extant correspondence includes letters to Archbishop Lul of Mainz, discussing a prior meeting between them. Surviving charters provide further glimpses into his tenure, notably his protest against King Cynewulf of Wessex's confiscation of a church at Cookham sometime after 760. He also consented to a gift of land in Canterbury from Dunwald, a thegn of King Æthelbert.
Legacy
Knowledge of Bregowine's activities as archbishop is significantly hampered by the destruction of many contemporary records. Following his death in 764, Bregowine was eventually venerated as a saint. His remains were initially buried in the baptistry in Canterbury, but were later moved to the choir of Canterbury Cathedral in 1123. A life of Bregowine was written in the 12th century by Eadmer, and he is commemorated with a feast day on 26 August, though some sources record his death date as 24 or 25 August.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bregowine Archbishop of Canterbury?
Bregowine was consecrated as Archbishop of Canterbury on 27 September 761 and served until his death in August 764.
What is known about Bregowine's origins?
Very little is known about Bregowine's origins. Stories about his background, including him being a nobleman or a continental Saxon, emerged after the Norman conquest and are not based on contemporary records.
What were Bregowine's main activities as archbishop?
Information about Bregowine's activities is limited due to the loss of many contemporary records. Surviving documents, such as charters, mention his protest over a confiscated church at Cookham and his consent to a land gift in Canterbury.
Is Bregowine considered a saint?
Yes, Bregowine was later considered a saint, with a feast day of 26 August. His life was written in the 12th century, and his remains were moved to Canterbury Cathedral.
Where was Bregowine buried?
Bregowine was originally buried in the baptistry in Canterbury. His remains were later moved to the choir of Canterbury Cathedral in 1123.
Related Archbishops
Æthelhard
Æthelhard was an Archbishop of Canterbury in medieval England, appointed by King Offa of Mercia. He faced significant challenges, including deposition by a Kentish monarch and a rival archiepiscopate in southern England, which he worked to demote, restoring Canterbury's primacy. He died in 805 and was revered as a saint until his cult was suppressed after the Norman Conquest.
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.
Plegmund
Plegmund was a medieval English Archbishop of Canterbury who played a significant role in reorganizing the Diocese of Winchester and promoting scholarship. He is also recognized as a saint, with his cult dating from the 13th century.