Agilbert
Agilbert was a prominent figure in the 7th-century West Saxon kingdom, serving as its second bishop before becoming Bishop of Paris. He is venerated as a saint, known for his scholarly pursuits in Ireland and his role in the Synod of Whitby. His career highlights the complex political and religious landscape of early Anglo-Saxon England and Francia.
- Feast Day
- October 11
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Agilbert was the second bishop of the West Saxon kingdom and later became Bishop of Paris.
- ›Evidence suggests his birth took place between 610 and 620, and he was the son of a Neustrian noble named Betto.
- ›He spent a significant time in Ireland studying scriptures before arriving in Wessex.
- ›Agilbert was present at the Synod of Whitby in 664, where he supported the pro-Roman party.
- ›He became bishop of Paris between 666 and 668.
- ›Agilbert died sometime after March 10, 673, likely between 679 and 690, and was buried at Jouarre Abbey.
About Agilbert
Agilbert: Bishop of Wessex and Paris
Agilbert (fl. c. 650–680) is venerated as a saint within the Catholic Church, recognized for his service as the second bishop of the West Saxon kingdom and later as the Bishop of Paris. His feast day is observed on October 11.
Life and Historical Context
The precise date and location of Agilbert's birth are not recorded, though historical evidence points to a period between 610 and 620. He was the son of Betto, a Neustrian noble, and held kinship ties to prominent Frankish families, including the Faronids and Agilolfings, and possibly the Merovingians. His name, equivalent to Æthelberht in the Frankish language, suggests a potential connection to the royal family of the Kingdom of Kent.
Agilbert's ecclesiastical career began with his consecration as a bishop in Francia before his journey to Britain. He arrived in the West Saxon kingdom following the restoration of King Cenwalh of Wessex to power. Appointed to succeed Birinus, Agilbert became the bishop of the West Saxons, with his see established at Dorchester, near Oxford. Prior to his episcopacy, Agilbert had spent a significant amount of time in Ireland, dedicating himself to the study of the Scriptures, as noted by Bede in his Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum.
Ministry and Key Events
Evidence from Bede suggests that Agilbert did not speak Old English. This linguistic barrier may have contributed to the division of his see, with half being granted to Wine, as King Cenwalh reportedly grew weary of Agilbert's 'barbarous speech'. This perceived slight is believed to have led to Agilbert's resignation. Following his departure from Wessex, he traveled north to Northumbria, where he ordained Wilfrid. Agilbert played a significant role at the Synod of Whitby in 664, where he championed the pro-Roman faction, though he allowed the younger Wilfrid to argue his case.
Upon returning to Francia, Agilbert participated in Wilfrid's consecration as a bishop at Compiègne. He subsequently became the Bishop of Paris between 666 and 668. Although King Cenwalh later invited him to return to become Bishop of Winchester, Agilbert sent his nephew Leuthhere in his stead.
Later Life and Legacy
Agilbert's death occurred sometime after March 10, 673, the date he witnessed Clotilde's foundation charter for the Abbey of Bruyères-le-Châtel, and likely between 679 and 690. He was interred at Jouarre Abbey, where his sister Theodechildis served as abbess. His well-preserved sarcophagus remains a notable feature in the abbey's crypts.
One modern historian, D. P. Kirby, has expressed uncertainty about Agilbert's movements after his expulsion from Dorchester, suggesting a direct return to the continent as a likely alternative to travelling to Northumbria.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Agilbert live?
Agilbert flourished between approximately 650 and 680 AD. Evidence suggests his birth occurred between 610 and 620, and he died sometime after March 10, 673, likely between 679 and 690.
What were Agilbert's roles in the church?
Agilbert served as the second bishop of the West Saxon kingdom and later became the Bishop of Paris. He also participated in significant ecclesiastical events such as the Synod of Whitby.
Where did Agilbert study?
According to Bede's "Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum," Agilbert spent a considerable amount of time in Ireland for the purpose of studying the Scriptures.
Why did Agilbert leave the West Saxon kingdom?
It is suggested that Agilbert resigned as bishop of the West Saxons because King Cenwalh grew tired of his 'barbarous speech' (likely Old English), though this reason may be mistaken. This insult supposedly led to his departure.
Where is Agilbert buried?
Agilbert was buried at Jouarre Abbey in Francia, where his sister Theodechildis served as abbess. His sarcophagus can still be seen there in the crypts.
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