Wimund facts for kids

Wimund was a bishop (a high-ranking church leader) who lived a very exciting and unusual life after the year 1147. He became a leader of warriors who traveled by sea, almost like a pirate adventurer! We know about Wimund from a book written by an English historian named William of Newburgh in the 1100s. William's book, called Historia rerum anglicarum, tells us about Wimund's journey from bishop to warrior.

Wimund's Early Life

William of Newburgh wrote that Wimund was born in a very hidden place in England. He studied at Furness Abbey, a monastery in Lancashire, which was built between 1123 and 1127.

Wimund might have been part of a group sent from Furness to start a new monastery on the Isle of Man. This happened in 1134, at the request of Amlaíb mac Gofraid, who was the King of the Isles at that time.

Becoming Bishop of the Isles

King Amlaíb gave the monks of Furness the power to choose the Bishop of the Isles. It seems Wimund was chosen for this important role between 1134 and 1140. This was a very quick rise for a young man who came from a humble background.

However, William of Newburgh also wrote that Wimund later claimed to be the son of a powerful Scottish leader called the mormaer of Moray. Some historians in the past doubted this claim. But today, many historians think Wimund might have been telling the truth.

Some believe Wimund was a son of Óengus of Moray, who died in 1130. Others think he might have been a son of William fitz Duncan, who was a powerful figure in Cumbria and Moray.

Wimund as Bishop

Wimund's main church as Bishop of the Isles was on the Isle of Skye. The old church building, called Snizort Cathedral, can still be seen today.

William of Newburgh wrote that Wimund was not happy just being a bishop. He wanted to do great and amazing things. William described him as having a "haughty speaking mouth with the proudest heart," meaning he was very proud and spoke boldly.

Conflict with Other Leaders

Wimund's first big conflict was not with the King of Scotland, but with another bishop named Gille Aldan. Gille Aldan became the Bishop of Whithorn around the same time Wimund became bishop.

The lands that Gille Aldan's bishopric covered might have once been under the control of the Bishops of the Isles. It was not uncommon for bishops in those days to use force to protect their lands or power. So, Wimund's fight with Gille Aldan was likely an effort to stop his own bishopric from being split up.