Eadfrith of Lindisfarne facts for kids
Eadfrith of Lindisfarne (who died in the year 721) was an important religious leader. He was also known as Saint Eadfrith. He served as the Bishop of Lindisfarne, an island off the coast of England. He likely became bishop around the year 698.
People in the 1100s believed Eadfrith took over from another bishop named Eadberht. There is nothing to suggest this belief is wrong. Lindisfarne was a very important religious place in the early 700s. It was the burial site for Saints Aidan and Cuthbert. Today, Eadfrith is honored as a Saint in several Christian churches. These include the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. He is also recognized in the Anglican Communion.
Eadfrith's Life and Work
A note added to the famous Lindisfarne Gospels in the 900s says Eadfrith was the person who wrote and drew the book. This note is called a colophon. The Lindisfarne Gospels are a very special book. It was created by one person who worked full-time for about two years.
Because of this, many historians think Eadfrith made the book before he became a bishop. Not all historians agree that he was the actual writer. Some think he might have asked someone else to create it. Others believe the story linking him to the book is not fully reliable.
Supporting Saint Cuthbert
During his time as bishop, Eadfrith was a big supporter of Saint Cuthbert. Saint Cuthbert was a very respected saint. Eadfrith asked for three books to be written about Saint Cuthbert's life. These types of books are called hagiographies.
The first book was written by an unknown author between 699 and 705. Later, Eadfrith asked a famous scholar named Bede to update this book. Bede wrote new versions around the year 720. He created both a prose (like a story) and a verse (like a poem) version.
Eadfrith also made sure a special religious retreat was fixed up. This was a hermitage on Farne island. Saint Cuthbert often lived there.
Eadfrith's Remains
In the late 800s, the community at Lindisfarne had to leave their home. They took Eadfrith's remains with them on a long journey. They wandered through the region of Northumbria. The remains of Saint Cuthbert were also with them.
Eventually, Eadfrith's and Saint Cuthbert's remains found a new home. This was in a town called Chester-le-Street. They stayed there for 100 years. In the year 995, the remains were moved again. They were taken to Durham Cathedral. At Durham, Eadfrith was remembered on June 4th. He was honored along with the bishop before him, Eadberht, and the bishop after him, Æthelwold.
