Cynesige facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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|---|---|
| Archbishop of York | |
Interior of Peterborough Cathedral. Cynesige was buried here when it was an abbey.
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| Appointed | 1051 |
| Reign ended | 22 December 1060 |
| Predecessor | Ælfric Puttoc |
| Successor | Ealdred |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 1051 |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 22 December 1060 |
| Buried | Peterborough Cathedral |
Cynesige (pronounced Kin-uh-see) was an important leader in England during the Middle Ages. He served as the Archbishop of York from 1051 to 1060. Before becoming an archbishop, he worked for the king and might have been a monk. As archbishop, Cynesige helped build and decorate churches, including his main church, York Minster. He also helped to make new bishops official. After he died in 1060, some gifts he left to a monastery were taken by the queen.
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Early Life and Career
Cynesige was born in England, possibly in an area called Rutland. Later in his life, he owned land there. Before he became an archbishop, Cynesige worked for the king as a royal clerk. This meant he helped the king with important paperwork and official duties. Some people also believed he was a monk at Peterborough Abbey. It's possible he did both jobs at different times.
Becoming Archbishop
Cynesige became the Archbishop of York in 1051. This was a very important position in the church. To fully take on his role, he needed to visit the Pope in Rome. He waited until 1055 to make this trip. There, Pope Victor II gave him a special scarf called a pallium. This scarf showed that the Pope approved of him as an archbishop.
During his time as archbishop, Cynesige was involved in many important events. He helped to make new bishops official. For example, he dedicated the church of Waltham Holy Cross in 1060. This was a big event, and even King Edward the Confessor was there. Cynesige did this at the request of Earl Harold Godwinson, who would later become king.
Building and Helping Churches
Cynesige worked hard to improve churches in his area. He made York Minster, his main church, bigger and more beautiful. He also helped other churches in his region. For example, he built a tower at Beverley Minster and gave books and other valuable items to the church there.
In 1056, Cynesige helped to make Herewald the Bishop of Llandaff. This happened at a meeting in London.
Royal Connections and Death
Cynesige had connections with important people, including the king. In 1059, he traveled with Earl Tostig Godwinson and Bishop Æthelwine. They escorted Malcolm III of Scotland, the King of Scotland, to see King Edward in Gloucester. Malcolm probably came to thank King Edward for his help and to show his respect.
Cynesige died on December 22, 1060. He was buried at Peterborough Cathedral. After his death, the monks at Peterborough thought of him as a saint. They believed he was a very holy person. People said he often walked instead of riding, and he spent a lot of time preaching and giving money to those in need.
Cynesige had left gifts to Peterborough Abbey in his will. However, these gifts were taken by Queen Edith of Wessex after he died.
