Liudhard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Liudhard |
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Replica of the Liudhard medalet, which depicts Liudhard
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| See | unspecified see in Kent |
| Reign ended | after 600 AD |
Liudhard was a bishop from the Frankish kingdom, which is now mostly France. He was a special helper, like a chaplain, to Queen Bertha of Kent. She brought him with her when she married King Æthelberht of Kent in England.
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Who Was Liudhard?
Liudhard was a bishop from the Frankish kingdom. This area is now mostly France. He served as a chaplain to Queen Bertha. She was a Christian princess. Bertha came to England to marry King Æthelberht of Kent.
Building the First Church
Liudhard helped Queen Bertha build a very important church. It was dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. This church, called St Martin's, was built near Canterbury. It was the first Christian church for the Anglo-Saxons in England. It is still used today and is the oldest church in the English-speaking world!
Liudhard's Final Resting Place
Liudhard likely passed away around the late 590s. This was soon after Saint Augustine arrived in England. He was first buried in St Martin's Church. Later, Archbishop Laurence of Canterbury moved his remains. Liudhard was reburied in the Abbey Church of St Peter and St Paul.
Stories and Miracles
People in the area thought of Liudhard as a saint. A writer named Goscelin told a story about a miracle Liudhard performed. He helped an artist named Spearhafoc find a lost ring. Spearhafoc was very thankful. He decorated Liudhard's tomb with beautiful statues. These statues were said to be very large.
Goscelin and another writer, William of Malmesbury, also said Liudhard was good at helping with rain. When people needed rain for their crops, they would carry Liudhard's remains in a procession. They believed this would bring rain to the fields.
The Liudhard Medallion
A special coin or "medalet" was found in Canterbury in the 1800s. It has Liudhard's name on it. This Liudhard medalet is the earliest Anglo-Saxon coin ever found. It might not have been used as regular money. Its design looks like coins from other parts of Europe at that time.
