St Berchert facts for kids

Saint Berchert (also known as Bericheart, Berechtir of Tulach Leis, Berrihert, or Berrahert) was an early English monk who lived a long time ago, around the 7th or 8th century. He is remembered in several churches in Ireland.

Berchert likely came to Ireland with a group of people from Northumbria, a kingdom in old England. They were led by a bishop named Colmán of Lindisfarne. This happened after an important meeting called the Synod of Whitby in 664 AD. His special day, called a feast day, is celebrated every year on December 6th.

Who Was Saint Berchert?

Saint Berchert was an English monk. Monks are religious men who dedicate their lives to God, often living in communities called monasteries. They spend their time praying, studying, and working.

It's thought that Berchert's original name in Old English was Berhtwine. We know this because a stone slab at a place called Tullylease in County Cork, Ireland, has the name BERACHTUINE carved on it. This carving gives us a clue about his past.

Why Did He Come to Ireland?

Saint Berchert probably moved to Ireland after a big event in 664 AD. This event was the Synod of Whitby. A "synod" is like a large meeting of church leaders. At this meeting, there was a disagreement about how to calculate the date of Easter and other church practices.

Bishop Colman of Lindisfarne, who was from Northumbria, disagreed with the decisions made at the Synod. Because of this, he and many other monks, including possibly Berchert, decided to leave England. They moved to Ireland, where they could continue their religious practices as they believed was right. This group of people were called "exiles" because they left their home country.

Places Connected to Saint Berchert

There are a few places in Ireland that are named after Saint Berchert, showing how important he was.

Tullylease in County Cork

One important place is Tullylease in County Cork. This area used to be a monastic site, which means it had a monastery where monks lived and worked. Near the old monastery, there is a special place called St Berrihert's Well. Wells like this were often seen as holy places in ancient times.

The stone slab with the name BERACHTUINE is also found at Tullylease. This connection makes Tullylease a very significant spot for learning about Saint Berchert.

St Berrihert's Kyle in County Tipperary

Another place connected to him is St Berrihert's Kyle. It's also known as St Berchert's Kyle. This place is in a townland called Ardane, which is part of Templeneiry parish in County Tipperary.

While this place also seems to be named after him, some people think it might refer to a different person with a similar name. However, it still shows the lasting memory of figures like Saint Berchert in Irish history.