Ealdwulf (archbishop of York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|---|---|
| Archbishop of York | |
| Appointed | 995 |
| Reign ended | 6 May 1002 |
| Predecessor | Oswald |
| Successor | Wulfstan |
| Other posts | Abbot of Peterborough Bishop of Worcester |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 995 |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 6 May 1002 |
Ealdwulf was an important leader in England a long time ago. He lived during the Middle Ages and held several big jobs in the church. He was an Abbot of Peterborough, a Bishop of Worcester, and later an Archbishop of York. He passed away on May 6, 1002.
Ealdwulf's Early Life and Big Decisions
Stories say that Ealdwulf was once a regular person, not a monk. He worked for King Edgar of England as a 'chancellor'. This was like a high-ranking helper to the king. One night, a sad accident happened involving his son. To make up for this, Ealdwulf decided to do something very good.
Instead of traveling to Rome for forgiveness, he chose to rebuild a monastery. A monastery is a place where monks live and pray. This was the monastery at Medeshamstede, which is now known as Peterborough Abbey. He got advice from Æthelwold, who was the bishop of Winchester. After helping to rebuild it, Ealdwulf joined this new monastery as a monk. He then became the abbot of Peterborough, leading the monks, from about 966 to 992.
Becoming a Bishop and Archbishop
In 995, Ealdwulf became the Bishop of Worcester. A bishop is a senior leader in the church who oversees a group of churches. At the same time, he also became the Archbishop of York. An archbishop is an even higher leader, in charge of many bishops and a large area. He held both of these important roles until he died on May 6, 1002.
While he was the archbishop, Ealdwulf held a special meeting called a 'synod' in Worcester around the year 1000. A synod is a church council where leaders discuss important matters. This meeting was to talk about moving the special items, called 'relics', of Saint Oswald of Worcester.
Ealdwulf's Reputation
Ealdwulf was known for being a very religious and good person. A writer named William of Malmesbury wrote about him. He said that Ealdwulf could be forgiven for holding two big church jobs at once. This was usually against church rules. But William said it was okay because Ealdwulf was so holy. He also said Ealdwulf took on these roles out of need, not because he was trying to gain power.
