Byrhthelm (bishop of Wells) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Byrhthelm |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Wells | |
| Province | Canterbury |
| Appointed | 956 |
| Reign ended | 973 |
| Predecessor | Wulfhelm II |
| Successor | Cyneweard |
| Other posts | Archbishop of Canterbury |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 956 |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 15 May 973 |
| Archbishop of Canterbury | |
| Appointed | 959 |
| Reign ended | 959 |
| Predecessor | Ælfsige |
| Successor | Dunstan |
Byrhthelm (died 973) was an important church leader in England during the 900s. He was a monk from Glastonbury Abbey, a famous monastery. Byrhthelm served as the Bishop of Wells for many years. For a very short time, he was also the Archbishop of Canterbury, which was the most important church job in England back then.
Who Was Byrhthelm?
Byrhthelm was a religious leader who lived in England over a thousand years ago. He was a monk, which means he dedicated his life to religious service, often living in a community with other monks. His main role was as the Bishop of Wells, a position he started in 956. A bishop is a senior member of the Christian clergy, usually in charge of a diocese (a church district).
A Brief Time as Archbishop
In the year 959, something big happened in Byrhthelm's career. The King of England at the time, King Eadwig, chose Byrhthelm to become the Archbishop of Canterbury. This was a very powerful and respected role, like being the head of the church in England.
However, King Eadwig died in October 959. His brother, Edgar, then became the new king. King Edgar had different ideas about who should be the Archbishop of Canterbury. He believed Byrhthelm was too gentle to manage the church's rules and discipline properly. King Edgar felt that Byrhthelm hadn't even managed his previous job as Bishop of Wells well enough.
Because of this, King Edgar quickly changed the appointment. Byrhthelm was removed from the Archbishop role in the same year, 959. He was replaced by another important church leader named Dunstan.
Returning to Wells
After his very short time as Archbishop, Byrhthelm went back to being the Bishop of Wells. He continued to serve in this role until he passed away. Byrhthelm died on May 15, 973.
