Beornstan of Winchester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beornstan |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Winchester | |
| Appointed | May 931 |
| Reign ended | 1 November 934 |
| Predecessor | Frithestan |
| Successor | Ælfheah I |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | May 931 |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 1 November 934 |
| Denomination | Christian |
| Sainthood | |
| Feast day | 4 November |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Canonized | Pre-Congregation |
Beornstan (also known as Byrnstan) was an important English church leader. He served as the Bishop of Winchester, a major religious role in England during his time. He became a bishop in May 931 and passed away on November 1, 934. After his death, people began to honor him as a saint.
Beornstan's Early Life and Role
Beornstan lived during the time of King Æthelstan, who ruled England starting in 924. Beornstan was part of the king's personal staff. He was one of King Æthelstan's "mass priests." These priests likely helped the king with religious duties and cared for important religious items.
Early in King Æthelstan's rule, Beornstan was present for an important event. He witnessed the king setting a slave named Ealdred free. This act of freeing a slave was called "manumission."
Becoming a Bishop
King Æthelstan had a plan to appoint people he trusted to important church positions. He wanted members of his own group to become bishops in the area known as Wessex.
Winchester was a key city, but its bishop, Frithestan, was not always in agreement with the king. When Bishop Frithestan stepped down in 931, King Æthelstan saw an opportunity. He chose Beornstan to become the new Bishop of Winchester. This showed how much the king trusted Beornstan.
As a bishop, Beornstan often signed official documents for the king. These documents were called "charters." However, he usually signed them in a less important position than the bishop who came after him, Ælfheah.
Beornstan's Death and Legacy
Beornstan died at a place called Old Minster in Winchester. He was probably buried there as well. People remembered him for being a very humble person.
After his death, some people began to see Beornstan as a saint. This idea was strongly supported by a later Bishop of Winchester named Æthelwold. There's a story that Beornstan, from heaven, complained to Æthelwold. He supposedly said that he was honored equally with other saints like Birinus and Swithun in heaven. However, he felt that people in Winchester were not giving him the same respect.
Despite this story and Æthelwold's support, Beornstan's recognition as a saint never became widely popular.
