Herfast facts for kids

Herfast (died 1084) was an important person in early Norman England. He was the very first Lord Chancellor of England after William the Conqueror took over.

Herfast also served as a Bishop. He was first the Bishop of Elmham and then later the Bishop of Thetford. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the Christian church.

Herfast's Early Life and Role

Herfast was born in a place called Normandy, which is in modern-day France. He joined William the Conqueror when William invaded England. This big event is known as the Norman Conquest of England.

After the famous Battle of Hastings, Herfast became the head of the king's writing office. This was a very important job.

Becoming Lord Chancellor

From 1068 to 1070, Herfast held the powerful position of Lord Chancellor of England. The Lord Chancellor was like the king's main secretary and advisor. They were in charge of many important government tasks.

Herfast as a Bishop

After his time as Lord Chancellor, Herfast became a bishop. In 1070, he was made the Bishop of Elmham.

Moving the Bishop's Seat

Bishops have a special main church called a "see." Around May 1072, Herfast moved his see from Elmham to Thetford. This meant he became the Bishop of Thetford.

Herfast tried to move his diocese again, this time to Bury St. Edmunds Abbey. However, the abbot (the head monk) of the abbey, named Baldwin, did not agree. Herfast lost this argument in the King's Court in 1081.

Important Agreements

In 1072, Bishop Herfast signed an important document called the Accord of Winchester. This agreement helped set rules for how the church and the king would work together in England.

Herfast's Death

Bishop Herfast passed away in 1084. He played a key role in both the government and the church during a very important time in English history.