Nothhelm
Nothhelm was an Anglo-Saxon Archbishop of Canterbury who served in the 8th century. He played a crucial role in gathering historical materials for Bede's works and attended to significant ecclesiastical matters, including church councils. After his death, he came to be venerated as a saint.
- Feast Day
- October 17
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Nothhelm served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 735 until his death in 739.
- ›He corresponded with Bede and Boniface, supplying Bede with materials for his historical writings.
- ›Before becoming archbishop, he was the archpriest of St Paul's Cathedral in London.
- ›He held a synod in 736 or 737 that adjudicated a dispute over monastery ownership without secular oversight.
- ›Nothhelm oversaw the reorganization of Mercian dioceses in 737, consecrating two bishops.
- ›He died on October 17, 739, and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral.
Nothelm
About Nothhelm
Nothhelm: Archbishop of Canterbury and Historical Contributor
Nothhelm (died 739) was a significant figure in the Anglo-Saxon Church, serving as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 735 until his death. He is primarily remembered for his crucial role in supporting the historical scholarship of the Venerable Bede and for his administrative work within the Church.
Life and Historical Context
Nothhelm was a contemporary of the prominent churchmen Bede and Boniface. Before his elevation to the archbishopric, he served as the archpriest of the Saxon-built St Paul's Cathedral in London. His appointment to Canterbury in 735, followed by his consecration the same year, placed him at the center of ecclesiastical affairs during a period of expanding Mercian influence in England. Pope Gregory III sent him a pallium in 736, indicating his recognized authority.
Contributions to Scholarship and Church Affairs
Nothhelm's most notable contribution to historical knowledge was his collaboration with Bede. He gathered materials from Canterbury and supplied correspondence from the papal library, likely during a trip to Rome, for Bede's historical works. Bede himself addressed a work, In regum librum XXX quaestiones, to Nothhelm, who had posed thirty questions on the biblical book of Kings. Nothhelm also engaged in significant ecclesiastical duties, including holding church councils. In 736 or 737, he presided over a synod that settled a dispute over monastery ownership, notably without the attendance of any king, demonstrating the synod's authority even without secular oversight. He also played a part in the reorganization of Mercian dioceses in 737, consecrating Witta as Bishop of Lichfield and Totta as Bishop of Leicester, thereby helping to establish the diocese of Leicester.
Legacy
Nothhelm died on October 17, 739, and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral. He is venerated as a saint, with his feast day celebrated on October 17. While later antiquaries like John Leland, John Bale, and Thomas Tanner attributed several works to him, later research has shown these writings to be authored by others. His lasting influence is primarily recognized through his support of Bede's historical endeavors and his role in managing the Church during a pivotal era in Anglo-Saxon England.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nothhelm?
Nothhelm was an Anglo-Saxon Archbishop of Canterbury who lived in the 8th century. He was a contemporary of Bede and Boniface and played a role in gathering historical information for Bede's writings.
What was Nothhelm's role in Bede's historical works?
Nothhelm was instrumental in gathering materials from Canterbury for Bede's historical works. He also researched the history of Kent and the surrounding area for Bede, supplying this information through the abbot of St Augustine's Abbey.
When did Nothhelm serve as Archbishop of Canterbury?
Nothhelm was appointed to the see of Canterbury in 735 and was consecrated in the same year. He served as archbishop until his death in 739.
What significant ecclesiastical matters did Nothhelm attend to?
As Archbishop, Nothhelm attended to ecclesiastical matters, including holding church councils. He presided over a synod in 736 or 737 that settled a dispute over monastery ownership and oversaw the reorganization of Mercian dioceses in 737.
Is Nothhelm considered a saint?
Yes, after his death, Nothhelm was considered a saint. His feast day is observed on October 17, the day of his death.
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