Æthelred (archbishop) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Æthelred
Archbishop of Canterbury
This charter issued by Æthelred in 873 shows the poor standard of Latin at the start of Alfred the Great's reign
Elected	870
Reign ended	30 June 888
Predecessor	Ceolnoth
Successor	Plegmund
Orders
Consecration	870
Personal details
Died	30 June 888

Coin of Æthelred, a special coin made during his time as Archbishop (875-879).

Æthelred (also spelled Ethelred) was an important Anglo-Saxon church leader in medieval England. He served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 870 until his death on June 30, 888. His time as Archbishop was a challenging period for England. He had to deal with many problems caused by Viking invasions. He also had some disagreements with King Alfred the Great about how the church should be run.

Becoming Archbishop

Æthelred became the Archbishop of Canterbury in the year 870. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the main leader of the church in England. It is not known exactly why he was chosen for this very important role. Some old writings incorrectly say he was a bishop in Wiltshire before this. But historians have found that this story is not true.

Challenges as Archbishop

Most of Æthelred's time as Archbishop was spent dealing with the effects of Viking raids. These fierce warriors from Scandinavia often attacked England. They caused a lot of trouble and damage.

Dealing with the Vikings

During Æthelred's time, a very special book was saved from the Vikings. This book was called the Golden Gospels. It was a beautiful gospel book from the 700s. It was bought back from a Viking raiding group. After it was rescued, it was given to the church in Canterbury. This shows how important it was to protect valuable church items.

Working with King Alfred

Æthelred also had some disagreements with King Alfred the Great. King Alfred wanted more control over church matters. This led to some tension between the king and the Archbishop.

Around 877, Æthelred wrote to Pope John VIII, who was the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Æthelred complained about King Alfred's actions towards Canterbury. The Pope wrote back, telling Æthelred that Canterbury had his support. The Pope also wrote to King Alfred, asking him to respect the Archbishop's rights.

Church Customs

Pope John VIII also asked Æthelred to help change how English church leaders dressed. At that time, Anglo-Saxon clergy wore short tunics, like regular people. But in Rome, church leaders wore long robes. The Pope wanted the English clergy to adopt the Roman style. It is not known if Æthelred tried to make these changes. However, the clothing customs of the Anglo-Saxon clergy did not change.

Later Years

Æthelred also made an agreement with a powerful nobleman named Ælfred. This nobleman was given the use of a Canterbury estate for his lifetime. In return, Ælfred promised to give one of his own estates to Canterbury after he died. This agreement helped the church gain land.

Æthelred died on June 30, 888.

Images for kids

• 

  This charter issued by Æthelred in 873 shows the poor standard of Latin at the start of Alfred the Great's reign