Bosa of York
Bosa was an Anglo-Saxon bishop of York in the late 7th and early 8th centuries. Educated at Whitby Abbey, he served as bishop during a period of division and restoration for the diocese of York, being appointed and removed twice. He is remembered for introducing communal life for the cathedral clergy and for his sanctity, as noted by Bede.
- Feast Day
- 9 March
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Bosa was educated at Whitby Abbey under abbess Hilda, where he became a monk.
- ›He was appointed bishop of York in 678 after Wilfrid's removal and the division of the diocese.
- ›Bosa was removed from his see in 687 but returned in 691 when Wilfrid was again expelled.
- ›He introduced communal life for the cathedral clergy and established a continuous liturgy.
- ›Bede praised Bosa as a man of singular merit and sanctity, and noted his humility.
- ›He appears as a saint in an 8th-century liturgical calendar from York.
About Bosa of York
Bosa of York was an Anglo-Saxon bishop who served as Bishop of York during the late 7th and early 8th centuries. His life and episcopate were closely tied to the turbulent history of the Northumbrian church, particularly the movements of Wilfrid.
Life and Historical Context
Educated at Whitby Abbey under the abbess Hilda, Bosa became a monk and was one of five men from Whitby who later rose to become bishops. In 678, following the removal and banishment of Bishop Wilfrid from York, the diocese was divided into three. Bosa was appointed to the greatly reduced see of York, which encompassed the sub-kingdom of Deira. His appointment was supported by King Ecgfrith of Northumbria and Archbishop Theodore of Tarsus, who consecrated him in York in 678. However, Wilfrid contested Bosa's position, claiming he was not part of the Catholic Church. Bosa's initial tenure lasted nine years, but in 687, with Wilfrid's return to favor, Bosa was removed from his see.
Return to York and Ministry
Bosa returned to the bishopric of York in 691, after Wilfrid was once again expelled. During his time as bishop, Bosa is credited with introducing a communal life for the clergy of the cathedral and establishing a continuous liturgy within the cathedral. These reforms aimed to strengthen the spiritual and administrative life of the see.
Death and Legacy
Bosa's exact date of death is unknown, but he was alive in 704 and died before 706, when his successor, John of Beverley, was named. The historian Bede described Bosa as a man of "singular merit and sanctity" and praised his humility. Bosa also played a role in the early education of Acca, who would later become Bishop of Hexham. Bosa's veneration as a saint is evidenced by his appearance in an 8th-century liturgical calendar from York, one of the earliest indications of his saintly status before the Norman Conquest. His feast day is observed on March 9, and he is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church on the same date.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bosa of York?
Bosa was an Anglo-Saxon bishop of York who lived during the late 7th and early 8th centuries. He was educated as a monk at Whitby Abbey and later served as bishop of the greatly reduced see of York.
When did Bosa serve as bishop of York?
Bosa was first appointed bishop of York in 678. He was removed in 687 but returned to the see in 691, serving until his death around 705.
What was Bosa's contribution to the cathedral at York?
While bishop, Bosa introduced a communal life for the clergy of the cathedral and established a continuous liturgy within the cathedral.
What is known about Bosa's early life?
Bosa was a Northumbrian who was educated at Whitby Abbey under the abbess Hilda. He became a monk there and was one of five men educated at Whitby who later became bishops.
How is Bosa remembered as a saint?
Bosa is remembered as a saint, with his veneration appearing in an 8th-century liturgical calendar from York. The contemporary writer Bede praised him for his singular merit, sanctity, and humility.
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