Grimbald facts for kids

Saint Grimbald (also known as Grimwald) was a Benedictine monk who lived in the 800s. He was born around the 820s and passed away on July 8, 901. He lived at the Abbey of Saint Bertin in France.

Life and Work

Much of what we know about Grimbald comes from an old book called the Vita Prima of St. Grimbaldi. This book tells us about his life.

Grimbald was known for being very smart. He was good at languages and writing. Because of his skills, Alfred the Great, who was King of England, invited Grimbald to come to England around the year 892.

King Alfred wanted to improve education in his kingdom. He invited many smart people, or scholars, to his royal court. Grimbald was one of the most important scholars who helped the King.

Helping King Alfred

Grimbald helped King Alfred with his writing projects. For example, King Alfred translated a famous book called Pastoral Care by Pope Gregory I from Latin into English. In the introduction to his translation, King Alfred mentioned that Grimbald helped him with the Latin parts.

Later Life and Legacy

It is said that King Alfred offered Grimbald a very important job as the head of the church in Canterbury. However, Grimbald politely turned down this offer during Alfred's lifetime.

After King Alfred passed away, his son, Edward the Elder, became king. King Edward offered Grimbald another important role. He became the Abbot (the leader) of a new monastery called New Minster in Winchester. This monastery was still being built at the time.

Grimbald passed away at New Minster on July 8, 901. He is remembered as a saint and a "confessor," which means someone who stood strong in their Christian faith. Some churches even have altars dedicated to him.

Grimbald is also mentioned in some old stories and legends from Oxford. A very old and important book of the Gospels, called the Grimbald Gospels, is kept in the British Library and is named after him.