Alchmund of Hexham
Alchmund was the 7th bishop of Hexham, consecrated in 767. He died in 780 or 781 and was venerated as one of the Hexham saints, though little is known of his life. His relics were translated in the 11th century after his tomb had been forgotten.
- Feast Day
- September 7
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Alchmund became the 7th bishop of Hexham on 24 April 767.
- ›He died on 7 September 780 or 781.
- ›Alchmund was buried beside Acca outside the church at Hexham.
- ›He was apparently deeply venerated as one of the Hexham saints.
- ›His tomb was forgotten by the early 11th century after Danish ravages.
- ›His relics were translated in the 11th century following a vision.
About Alchmund of Hexham
Alchmund of Hexham served as the 7th bishop of the see of Hexham in Northumberland. He was consecrated on April 24, 767, and his episcopate concluded with his death on September 7, 780 or 781. The see of Hexham was centered on the church founded by Wilfrid.
Life and Veneration
Little is known about the specific details of Alchmund's life during his tenure as bishop. However, he was apparently deeply venerated as one of the significant figures among the Hexham saints. Following his death, he was buried beside Acca outside the church.
Relics and Remembrance
By the early 11th century, after the region had been ravaged by the Danes, Alchmund's tomb had seemingly been entirely forgotten. According to Symeon of Durham, Alchmund appeared in a vision to a man named Dregmo of Hexham. He urged Dregmo to instruct Alfred, son of Westou and sacrist of Durham, to translate his body, meaning to remove and re-bury it as a relic. Alfred complied but took one of the bones with him to Durham. The shrine of Alchmund could not be moved until the bone was returned.
In 1154, after the church had been ruined and restored again, the bones of the Hexham saints, including Alchmund, were collected into a single shrine. This shrine and the church were ultimately pillaged and destroyed by the Scots during a border raid in 1296.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Alchmund of Hexham live?
Alchmund of Hexham died on 7 September 780 or 781. He became bishop in 767, placing his active ministry in the late 8th century.
What was Alchmund's role in Hexham?
Alchmund served as the 7th bishop of the see of Hexham in Northumberland. The see was centered on the church founded by Wilfrid.
Why is Alchmund venerated?
Alchmund was apparently deeply venerated as one of the Hexham saints. His relics were the subject of a translation in the 11th century.
What happened to Alchmund's tomb?
By the early 11th century, after Danish ravages, Alchmund's tomb had been entirely forgotten. It was rediscovered and his body translated following a vision.
What is known about Alchmund's life?
Virtually nothing is now known of Alchmund's life beyond his consecration as bishop and his death. His veneration as a saint is a key aspect of his historical record.
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