Bregowine facts for kids

Bregowine (died August 764) was an important leader in the early English Church. He served as the Archbishop of Canterbury, which is a very high position. Not much is known about where he came from or what he did as archbishop. However, people later told stories about his background, especially after the Norman Conquest in 1066. There are no records of him before he became archbishop. After his death, he was seen as a saint. A special book about his life was written in the 12th century.

Who Was Archbishop Bregowine?

Many stories exist about Bregowine's early life. Some say he was a nobleman from mainland Europe. They claim he became a Christian and moved to Canterbury. This was because of the good reputation of Theodore of Tarsus, an earlier saintly leader. Other stories suggest that King Æthelbert II of Kent helped him become archbishop. All these tales were written long after Bregowine lived, after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

There are no records from Bregowine's own time that tell us about him before he became archbishop. It seems he was not from Mercia, unlike some archbishops before him.

Bregowine's Time as Archbishop

Bregowine became archbishop on September 27, 761. This happened during a short time when Kent was independent. Kent was not under the control of the powerful Mercian kingdom between 756 and 764. So, the idea that King Æthelbert helped him makes sense for that period.

Bregowine wrote letters to Archbishop Lul in Mainz, which is now in Germany. These letters still exist today. They talk about a meeting the two leaders had earlier. Other things Bregowine did as archbishop are written in old documents called charters. A charter is like an official paper or deed.

One charter shows that Bregowine protested when a church at Cookham was taken away. King Cynewulf of Wessex took this church sometime after 760. Another charter is from Dunwald, a noble (called a thegn) who worked for King Æthelbert. This charter is about land in Canterbury. It shows that Bregowine agreed to this gift of land. Sadly, many of the old charters from the diocese of Canterbury are now lost. This makes it harder to know all about Bregowine's work as archbishop.

His Death and Legacy

Bregowine died in 764. He was first buried in the baptistry at Canterbury. Later, in 1123, his remains were moved to the choir part of Canterbury Cathedral. This move happened after someone tried to take his remains to another monastery around 1121, but it didn't work out. His remains were placed near the altar of St Gregory.

Bregowine was later seen as a saint. His special day, or feast day, is August 26. However, some old writers give slightly different dates for his death. For example, Florence of Worcester, who wrote in the 12th century, said he died on August 24. Other sources say August 25. A book about his life was written by Eadmer in the 12th century, helping to keep his memory alive.