Adrian of Canterbury facts for kids

Adrian, also known as Hadrian, was a very smart scholar from North Africa. He lived in Anglo-Saxon England and became the abbot of Saint Peter's and Saint Paul's in Canterbury. An abbot is the head of a monastery. Adrian was famous for being a great teacher and for explaining the Bible.

He was born sometime between 630 and 637. According to a historian named Bede, Adrian was "by nation an African." This means he was a Berber from North Africa. Before coming to England, he was the abbot of a monastery near Naples, Italy.

Adrian: A Great Teacher and Scholar

Early Life and Journey

Adrian was a Berber from North Africa. He was the abbot of a monastery near Naples. The Pope, Pope Vitalian, offered him the important job of Archbishop of Canterbury twice. But Adrian humbly said no.

First, he suggested another monk named Andrew for the role. Andrew also said he was too old for the job. Then, when the Pope offered it to Adrian again, Adrian introduced his friend Theodore of Tarsus. Theodore was in Rome at the time and agreed to become the archbishop.

Pope Vitalian had one condition: Adrian had to go with Theodore to Britain. The Pope knew Adrian had traveled to Gaul (modern-day France) twice before. So, Adrian knew the best routes and how to travel.

The Journey to England

Adrian and Theodore started their journey from Rome on May 27, 668. They sailed to Marseille and then traveled across the country to Arles. They stayed there until they received special travel papers. These papers were needed from Ebroin, a powerful ruler in Gaul.

After getting their papers, they traveled to northern France. There, they separated for the winter. Theodore stayed with the bishop of Paris, Agelberctus. Adrian first stayed with the bishop of Sens, Emmon, and then with Faro, the bishop of Meaux.

In the spring, King Ecgberht of Kent sent for Theodore. Theodore was allowed to leave and arrived in England in May 669. However, Adrian was held back by Ebroin. Ebroin thought Adrian might be a spy from the Greek emperor. He suspected Adrian was trying to cause trouble in the Frankish kingdom.

Becoming Abbot of Canterbury

Eventually, Ebroin realized his suspicions were wrong. Adrian was finally allowed to go to England. As soon as he arrived, he became the abbot of St. Peter's monastery in Canterbury. This monastery was later called St. Augustine's Abbey. This appointment was exactly what the Pope wanted.

Adrian was known for being very knowledgeable about the Bible. He also spoke Greek and Latin very well. He was an excellent leader and manager. Under his guidance, the abbey became very important and had a wide influence.

Adrian's Impact on Learning

Another historical account, also by Bede, says that Adrian became abbot after Benedict Biscop stepped down. This account suggests Benedict Biscop traveled with Theodore from Rome. He was supposedly appointed abbot first and held the position for about two years. While the details differ slightly, both accounts agree on Adrian's importance.

Bede described Adrian as a brilliant religious scholar. He was also very skilled in other subjects. Bede wrote that Adrian and Theodore traveled all over England. They gathered many students wherever they went. They worked hard every day to teach these students. They taught about religion, but also about science and literature.

Bede specifically mentioned subjects like the art of poetry, astronomy, and arithmetic. These subjects covered what we now call rhetoric, physical science, and mathematics. Bede added that even when he was writing (in the early 700s), some of Adrian and Theodore's students were still alive. These students could speak Greek and Latin as easily as their own language. A record of their teaching is kept in the Leiden Glossary.

Legacy of Learning

King Alfred, who lived much later in the 800s, spoke about this golden age of learning. He mentioned how wise people, both religious and non-religious, lived in England long ago. He said that in those happy times, the clergy (church leaders) were eager to teach and study. Foreigners even came to England to learn. King Alfred sadly noted that in his own time, English people had to go abroad to become scholars.

Adrian lived a long life. He outlived his friend Archbishop Theodore. He is said to have lived for 39 years after coming to England. He continued to lead the monastery at Canterbury until he died. He passed away on January 9, which is now his feast day. He is buried in the church of the monastery.

See also

In Spanish: Adriano de Canterbury para niños