Wighard
Wighard was an Archbishop-elect of Canterbury in the late 7th century. He traveled to Rome for confirmation of his elevation and to receive his pallium but died there before consecration, possibly from plague. His death in Rome allowed Pope Vitalian to appoint Theodore of Tarsus as the next archbishop.
Key Facts
- ›Served as a Saxon priest in Kent and in the household of Archbishop Deusdedit.
- ›Selected to be Archbishop of Canterbury, with conflicting accounts of his selection by King Ecgberht of Kent alone or by Oswiu of Northumbria and Ecgberht with clerical and popular consent.
- ›Traveled to Rome to seek confirmation from Pope Vitalian and receive his pallium.
- ›Died in Rome between 664 and 667, possibly due to bubonic plague.
- ›His death led to Pope Vitalian selecting Theodore of Tarsus as the successor.
- ›His consecration status is debated, with some sources indicating he died before it.
About Wighard
Wighard: Archbishop-elect of Canterbury
Wighard (also known as Wigheard) was a Saxon priest from Kent who lived in the late 7th century. He is known primarily for his selection as Archbishop-elect of Canterbury, though the exact circumstances of his election are subject to historical debate. What is clear is that he was sent to Rome to receive confirmation from Pope Vitalian and to obtain his pallium, a significant ecclesiastical vestment.
Life and Historical Context
Wighard served in the household of the previous Archbishop of Canterbury, Deusdedit, and was also a priest at Canterbury. The primary source of information about Wighard is the 8th-century historian Bede. Bede provides conflicting accounts regarding Wighard's selection. His earlier work, Historia Abbatum, attributes the selection to King Ecgberht of Kent, while his later work, Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, states that Oswiu of Northumbria and Ecgberht, with the consent of the clergy and people, made the choice. Modern historians have debated these accounts, with some suggesting Bede may have misinterpreted a papal letter concerning Oswiu's involvement.
Journey to Rome and Death
Wighard's journey to Rome was crucial for the validity of his consecration and the recognition of his archiepiscopal authority. His death occurred in Rome between 664 and 667, possibly due to the bubonic plague or another epidemic. This event had a direct impact on the succession, as it allowed Pope Vitalian to select his successor from among the clergy in Rome. Vitalian ultimately chose Theodore of Tarsus to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury, a significant appointment that shaped the future of the English Church.
Legacy and Uncertainty
The exact date of Wighard's consecration remains uncertain. Some scholars believe he died before being consecrated, while others suggest he died just prior to his intended return to Canterbury for the ceremony. Pope Vitalian's correspondence after Wighard's death, preserved by Bede, confirms the archbishop-elect's demise and the subsequent search for a replacement, highlighting Wighard's role as a transitional figure in the history of the See of Canterbury.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Wighard?
Wighard was an Archbishop-elect of Canterbury in the late 7th century. He was a Saxon priest from Kent who was chosen to succeed Archbishop Deusdedit.
Why did Wighard go to Rome?
Wighard traveled to Rome to seek confirmation of his election to the archbishopric from Pope Vitalian and to receive his pallium, a symbol of archiepiscopal authority.
When and where did Wighard die?
Wighard died in Rome between the years 664 and 667. The exact cause of his death is unclear, but it may have been the bubonic plague or another epidemic disease.
Who succeeded Wighard as Archbishop of Canterbury?
Wighard's death in Rome presented Pope Vitalian with the opportunity to select a new archbishop. He ultimately chose Theodore of Tarsus to fill the vacant see.
Was Wighard ever consecrated as Archbishop?
It is unclear from historical accounts whether Wighard was ever episcopally consecrated. Some sources suggest he died before this could occur, while others imply he died as he was about to return for consecration.
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