Nothhelm
Nothhelm was an Anglo-Saxon Archbishop of Canterbury from 735 until his death in 739. He was a significant figure who corresponded with Bede and Boniface, providing materials for Bede's historical works and assisting Boniface with ecclesiastical matters. Nothhelm is remembered as a saint, with his feast day observed on October 17th.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 735 to 739.
- ›Supplied historical materials from Canterbury to Bede for his works.
- ›Corresponded with prominent figures like Bede and Boniface.
- ›Attended to ecclesiastical matters, including holding church councils.
- ›Oversaw the reorganization of Mercian dioceses in 737.
- ›Considered a saint with a feast day on October 17th.
- Gathered Materials From Canterbury For Bede's Historical Works.
- Held Church Councils.
- Oversaw the Reorganization of Mercian Dioceses.
- Consecrated Witta As Bishop of Lichfield and Totta As Bishop of Leicester.
About Nothhelm
Nothhelm was a significant Anglo-Saxon Archbishop of Canterbury who served from 735 until his death in 739. His tenure, though relatively brief, was marked by his engagement with prominent intellectual and religious figures of his time, and his role in ecclesiastical administration.
Early Life and Pre-Archbishopric Career
Nothhelm was a contemporary of the esteemed scholar Bede and the missionary Boniface. Before assuming the archbishopric, he served as the archpriest of St Paul's Cathedral in London. His intellectual contributions began early, as he supplied correspondence from the papal library following a trip to Rome and conducted historical research for Bede concerning the history of Kent and its environs.
Archbishop of Canterbury
Appointed to the see of Canterbury in 735 and consecrated the same year, Nothhelm received a pallium from Pope Gregory III in 736. His appointment may have been influenced by Æthelbald, King of Mercia, whose councilor he was, reflecting a period of expanding Mercian influence in the church. During his archiepiscopacy, Nothhelm was active in ecclesiastical affairs, notably holding a synod in 736 or 737 that adjudicated a dispute over monastery ownership without secular oversight. He also played a key role in the reorganization of the Mercian dioceses in 737, consecrating Witta as Bishop of Lichfield and Totta as Bishop of Leicester. Nothhelm's scholarly connections continued as Archbishop; Bede dedicated his work "In regum librum XXX quaestiones" to him, and Bede's "De VIII Quaestionibus" may also have been written for Nothhelm. Boniface corresponded with Nothhelm, requesting a copy of Pope Gregory I's "Libellus responsionum" and information about the Gregorian mission to England.
Death and Legacy
Nothhelm died on October 17, 739, and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral. He is venerated as a saint, with his feast day celebrated on October 17th. While later antiquaries attributed various works to him, modern research indicates these were authored by others. A verse eulogy for Nothhelm survives in a 16th-century manuscript.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nothhelm serve as Archbishop of Canterbury?
Nothhelm served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 735 until his death in 739. He was consecrated in 735.
What was Nothhelm's role in Bede's historical works?
Nothhelm was instrumental in gathering materials from Canterbury for Bede's historical works. He also researched the history of Kent and the surrounding area for Bede, supplying this information through the abbot of St Augustine's Abbey.
Did Nothhelm hold any other positions before becoming Archbishop?
Before his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury, Nothhelm held the position of archpriest of St Paul's Cathedral in London.
What were some of Nothhelm's significant actions as Archbishop?
As Archbishop, Nothhelm attended to ecclesiastical matters, including holding church councils. He also oversaw the reorganization of the Mercian dioceses in 737 and consecrated two bishops.
Is Nothhelm recognized as a saint?
Yes, after his death, Nothhelm was considered a saint. His feast day is observed on October 17th.
Related Archbishops
Wilfrid II
Wilfrid II, also known as Wilfrid the Younger, was the last bishop of York before the see was elevated to an archbishopric. He was a monk at Whitby and was consecrated as a coadjutor bishop in 718. Wilfrid resigned his bishopric in 732 and is considered a saint with a feast day on April 29th, though his cult was not particularly strong.
Oda
Saint Oda of Scotland was a holy recluse who lived in the Netherlands around the 8th century. Born blind, she was miraculously cured during a pilgrimage and dedicated her life to God, fleeing an arranged marriage to live as a hermitess. She is venerated for her rejection of worldly ties and her life of solitude.
Æthelbert
Æthelbert was an eighth-century scholar, teacher, and Archbishop of York who played a significant role in the intellectual and religious life of Northumbria. He was instrumental in building the cathedral's library and school, teaching prominent figures like Alcuin, and sent missionaries to the Continent. Æthelbert also influenced political events by participating in the deposition of a king.