Northumbrian Renaissance

When Penda tried to burn down Bamburgh Castle, St Aidan turned the pagan King’s own weapons against him.

St Aidan (?590-651) came from the island of Iona to Northumbria during the reign of King Oswald, and remained there under Oswald’s successors until his death in 651. He settled himself on the island of Lindisfarne.

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A shy and unmusical stable-hand suddenly began to sing wise and moving hymns.

In 657, a monastery was founded in Whitby, in the Kingdom of Northumbria. It gave employment to several labourers, including an elderly stable-hand named Caedmon who would do anything to avoid singing.

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The Blessed Virgin Mary adds four years to the life of Bishop Wilfrid, and an angel suggests a suitable thank-you.

Wilfrid, bishop of Hexham, visited Rome in 703-704, to resolve an ongoing dispute with the King of Northumbria. On his way back, he fell ill.

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The young monk taught some hard-hearted pagans a lesson they’d never forget.

The historian Bede (c.672-735) was a monk at Jarrow, a short distance up the River Tyne from Tynemouth in North East England. It was at Jarrow that Bede heard this story, as told by one of those who had seen it a few years earlier.

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St Wilfrid brings healing to the wife of his own gaoler.

Having fallen foul of Ecgfrith, King of Northumbria, in 680 Wilfrid found himself in prison, and under very unpleasant conditions. His gaoler was the King’s sheriff, Osfrith.

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St Wilfrid finds comfort during his tussle with the King of Northumbria

St Wilfrid was made Bishop of York, capital of the ancient Kingdom of Northumbria, in 665. He was involved in constant controversy as he resented King Ecgfrith’s interference, but he was also a key figure in keeping the English Church in close contact with the Orthodox churches of Rome and Greece, for which Bede praises him.

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