Peter of Canterbury facts for kids

Peter of Canterbury (also known as Petrus) was an important early Christian leader. He was the first abbot of a monastery in Canterbury, England. This monastery was first called SS. Peter and Paul, but later became St Augustine's Abbey.

Peter was a close friend and helper of Augustine. Augustine led a special group of missionaries, called the Gregorian mission, who came to England to spread Christianity. Peter was sent by Augustine to Pope Gregory I in Rome around the year 600. His job was to tell the Pope how the mission was going.

We don't know the exact year Peter died. Some records say it was around 607. However, other information suggests he was at a church meeting in Paris in 614. So, he likely died sometime after that meeting.

Peter's Early Life and Mission

Peter was probably from Italy, just like the other people on the Gregorian mission. This mission was started by Pope Gregory the Great in 596. Their goal was to teach Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons in England. The Anglo-Saxons at that time followed their own traditional beliefs, known as Anglo-Saxon paganism.

The missionaries arrived in Kent, England, in 597. Soon after, they helped King Æthelberht of Kent become a Christian. King Æthelberht then gave Augustine land in Canterbury. This is where Augustine built the monastery that Peter would later lead.

Important Journeys and Roles

The historian Bede wrote about Peter's life. Bede said that around late 600, Peter and another missionary named Laurence traveled back to Pope Gregory. They went to share the good news about Augustine's success in Kent. They also asked the Pope to send more missionaries to help.

When Peter and Laurence returned in 601, they brought Pope Gregory's answers to Augustine's questions. These answers helped guide the mission.

Peter became the head, or abbot, of the monastery in Canterbury. This monastery was first named after Saints Peter and Paul. Later, it was renamed St Augustine's Abbey, in honor of Augustine. Bede also described Peter as a presbyter, which means he was a priest.

Peter's Death and Legacy

Peter sadly drowned while crossing the English Channel. He was on his way to Gaul (which is now France). This happened near a place called Ambleteuse, close to Boulogne. At first, he was quickly buried nearby.

However, Bede wrote that a bright light appeared over his grave every night. Because of this, the local people believed Peter was a saint. They moved his body and reburied him in Boulogne.

The exact date of Peter's death is still a mystery. His feast day, which is a special day to remember him, is celebrated on January 6th. Peter is considered a saint. His special recognition as a saint was confirmed in 1915.

See also

• List of members of the Gregorian mission