Cynesige

Cynesige, Archbishop of York

Cynesige was a medieval English Archbishop of York who served from 1051 until his death in 1060. His tenure was marked by significant architectural and ecclesiastical activities, alongside his involvement in the consecration of bishops.

Life and Historical Context

Prior to his appointment as Archbishop of York, Cynesige held the position of a royal clerk. There is also a claim from the monks of Peterborough Abbey that he was a monk at their house, suggesting he may have held both roles. He was possibly from Rutland, owning the manor of Tinwell there later in life. A later accretion to his life story, likely to support efforts for his canonization, claimed he was born by Caesarian section.

Cynesige delayed his visit to Rome to receive his pallium until 1055, when it was granted by Pope Victor II. During his archiepiscopacy, he is claimed to have consecrated John and Magsuen as Bishops of Glasgow, though their tenure in the diocese is uncertain. He dedicated the church of Waltham Holy Cross around May 3, 1060, at the invitation of Earl Harold Godwinson. This consecration occurred because the archbishopric of Canterbury was vacant, although Stigand was the occupant whose election was not considered canonical by the papacy.

Major Contributions

As archbishop, Cynesige significantly expanded and embellished York Minster and other churches within his archdiocese. He also constructed the tower at Beverley and endowed the church there with books and other items. In 1056, he consecrated Herewald as Bishop of Llandaff at a council in London, though this is attested to by the sometimes unreliable Book of Llandaff.

In 1059, Cynesige, along with Earl Tostig and Æthelwine Bishop of Durham, escorted King Malcolm III of Scotland to King Edward's court at Gloucester. This journey likely served to thank Edward for his assistance in restoring Malcolm to the Scottish throne and possibly to acknowledge English suzerainty.

Legacy

Cynesige died on December 22, 1060, and was buried at Peterborough. He was honored as a saint by the monks at Peterborough, though this cult did not appear to spread widely. His reputation for sanctity and poverty was linked to his ascetic lifestyle, including traveling on foot and dedicating time to preaching and almsgiving. The Northumbrian Priests' Law, often attributed to Wulfstan II, might have been authored by Cynesige or his predecessor, Ælfric Puttoc. His will included bequests to Peterborough, but these were confiscated by Queen Edith after his death.