Bregowine
Bregowine was an Archbishop of Canterbury who served from 761 until his death in 764. Little is known of his origins or specific activities due to the loss of many contemporary records. He is remembered as a saint, with a life written in the 12th century.
- Feast Day
- August 26
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Bregowine was consecrated as archbishop on 27 September 761.
- ›His election occurred during a period when Kent was free from Mercian dominance.
- ›He wrote letters to Archbishop Lul of Mainz that still exist.
- ›He protested the confiscation of a church at Cookham by King Cynewulf of Wessex.
- ›Bregowine consented to a gift of land in Canterbury from Dunwald.
- ›He died in 764 and was originally buried in the baptistry in Canterbury.
About Bregowine
Bregowine was a medieval Archbishop of Canterbury who served from 761 until his death in 764. His life and tenure as archbishop are marked by a scarcity of contemporary records, making much of his biography subject to later interpretation and tradition.
Life and Historical Context
Bregowine was consecrated as archbishop on September 27, 761. His election took place during a brief period when the Kingdom of Kent was not under Mercian dominance, a circumstance that aligns with the tradition that he may have owed his elevation to King Æthelbert II of Kent. Unlike some of his predecessors, he does not appear to have been of Mercian origin. Surviving documents, such as charters and letters to Archbishop Lul of Mainz, offer glimpses into his activities. These records indicate his involvement in disputes over land, including a protest against King Cynewulf of Wessex concerning the church at Cookham, and his consent to a land gift in Canterbury. However, the loss of many early diocesan records significantly restricts our understanding of his time in office.
Veneration and Legacy
Following his death in 764, Bregowine was eventually considered a saint. He was originally buried in the baptistry at Canterbury, with his remains later translated to the choir of Canterbury Cathedral in 1123. A life of Bregowine was written in the 12th century by Eadmer. While various stories about his origins circulated after the Norman conquest, these are not supported by contemporary evidence. His feast day is observed, with August 26 being a commonly cited date, although some sources record his death as August 24 or 25.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bregowine live and serve as Archbishop of Canterbury?
Bregowine was consecrated as archbishop on September 27, 761, and died in 764. He served as Archbishop of Canterbury for a brief period during the 8th century.
What is known about Bregowine's origins?
Little is definitively known about Bregowine's origins. Various stories emerged after the Norman conquest, suggesting he might have been a nobleman and a continental Saxon, but these lack contemporary evidence. It is suggested he was not of Mercian origins like his predecessors.
What were Bregowine's activities as Archbishop?
Surviving charters record some of Bregowine's activities, including his protest against King Cynewulf of Wessex for confiscating a church at Cookham and his consent to a land gift in Canterbury. Knowledge of his tenure is limited by the loss of many contemporary records.
Where was Bregowine buried?
Bregowine was originally buried in the baptistry in Canterbury. His remains were later moved to the choir of Canterbury Cathedral in 1123.
When is Bregowine's feast day?
Bregowine is considered a saint with a feast day of August 26, although some 12th-century sources record his death date as August 24 or 25.
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