Wulfhelm facts for kids

Wulfhelm was an important religious leader in England a long time ago. He lived in the 900s and passed away on February 12, 941. Before becoming a very important leader, he was the Bishop of Wells. Around the year 926, he became the Archbishop of Canterbury. This was a very high position in the church. As archbishop, Wulfhelm helped King Æthelstan create new laws. He also gave land to religious communities called monasteries. Soon after becoming archbishop, he traveled all the way to Rome. He also gave two special religious books to his church, which you can still see today!

Wulfhelm's Life and Work

Becoming a Bishop

Wulfhelm became the Bishop of Wells sometime between 923 and 925. We don't know much about his time as Bishop of Wells.

Archbishop of Canterbury

Around 926, Wulfhelm moved from being Bishop of Wells to become the Archbishop of Canterbury. This was a very important job. While he was archbishop, he often visited the king's court. The king at that time was Æthelstan, a powerful ruler of England.

King Æthelstan even said that Wulfhelm helped him write new laws for the country. Wulfhelm also gave advice to the king about a special rule called the Ordinance on Charities. This rule was about helping people in need.

One old copy of King Æthelstan's laws says that Wulfhelm was at a big meeting called a synod. This meeting happened in a place called Grately. At this meeting, the laws were officially announced and agreed upon. It seems Wulfhelm was very involved in making sure the laws were fair and clear. He also led another meeting in Thunderfield. Here, leaders from London promised to keep the king's peace. This shows Wulfhelm was a key person in improving the laws of the land.

Journey to Rome

Wulfhelm also made a trip to Rome. He went there to receive his pallium in person from Pope John X. A pallium is a special woollen band worn by archbishops. It shows their connection to the Pope. Most archbishops before him had their pallium sent to them. It's not clear why Wulfhelm chose to go himself. Some people think he wanted to make sure the Pope fully approved of his move from Wells to Canterbury.

Gifts and Legacy

Wulfhelm passed away on February 12, 941, while he was still archbishop. During his time, he received two special religious books as gifts. He then gave these books to his church, Christ Church. You can still see these books today! One book came from Ireland. The other came from a place called Lotharingia or Germany.

The second book might have been a gift to King Æthelstan first. This was probably during talks about Æthelstan's sister Edith marrying the future Emperor Otto I. These important meetings might explain why Wulfhelm's name appears in special books from some German monasteries. He also might have given land to the church. He definitely gave land at Deverel, Wiltshire to Glastonbury Abbey when he was archbishop.

Wulfhelm's Burial Place

Wulfhelm was buried in Canterbury. He was first laid to rest at the church of St John the Baptist. This church was near the old Canterbury Cathedral from the Saxon times. Later, after the Norman Conquest of England, a new cathedral was built. Archbishop Lanfranc moved the bodies of earlier archbishops, including Wulfhelm, to the new cathedral. They were placed in the north transept. Even later, Wulfhelm and his friend Athelm were moved again. They were placed in a chapel dedicated to St Benedict. This chapel later became part of the Lady Chapel. This part of the church was built by a leader named Prior Thomas Goldstone.