Cælin facts for kids

Cælin was an important religious figure in early England. He lived during the 600s, a time when Christianity was spreading across the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Cælin is known as one of four brothers who played a key role in the early Anglo-Saxon Church. The other brothers were Cedd, Chad, and Cynibil.

Who Was Cælin?

Cælin served as a chaplain, which is like a religious advisor or priest, at the court of Ethelwald. Ethelwald was a powerful leader and a nephew of King Oswiu of Northumbria. Ethelwald was in charge of the coastal area of Deira, a kingdom in northern England.

Cælin's Important Project

Cælin had a great idea that led to a major development for the church. He encouraged Ethelwald to give land for building a new monastery. A monastery is a place where monks live and worship. This new monastery was built at Lastingham in the beautiful North York Moors area.

Lastingham Monastery's Role

The monastery at Lastingham became a very important center. It served as a base for Cælin's brother, Cedd. Cedd was a missionary bishop, meaning he traveled to teach Christianity to people in Essex. After Cedd, his brother Chad took over as the abbot, or head, of the monastery. This shows how important Cælin's initiative was in helping the church grow.

About Cælin's Name

The name Cælin is a special spelling of the name of a West Saxon king called Ceawlin. Interestingly, the name "Cælin" comes from Celtic languages, not from Anglo-Saxon languages. This suggests a connection to the older Celtic people who lived in Britain before the Anglo-Saxons arrived.