Cynewulf of Lindisfarne
Encyclopedia
Cynewulf of Lindisfarne was the Bishop
of Lindisfarne
from 740 to 780. He resigned the see in 780 and died in 783. It is possible that he was also the Anglo-Saxon
poet
Cynewulf
, who was known to be alive at about the same time.
In 750 Cynewulf was imprisoned by Eadberht of Northumbria
for giving sanctuary to Prince Offa during a dynastic clash.
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
of Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne is a tidal island off the north-east coast of England. It is also known as Holy Island and constitutes a civil parish in Northumberland...
from 740 to 780. He resigned the see in 780 and died in 783. It is possible that he was also the Anglo-Saxon
Anglo-Saxons
Anglo-Saxon is a term used by historians to designate the Germanic tribes who invaded and settled the south and east of Great Britain beginning in the early 5th century AD, and the period from their creation of the English nation to the Norman conquest. The Anglo-Saxon Era denotes the period of...
poet
Poet
A poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
Cynewulf
Cynewulf
Cynewulf is one of twelve Anglo-Saxon poets known by name today, and one of four whose work survives today. He is famous for his religious compositions, and is regarded as one of the pre-eminent figures of Old English Christian poetry. Posterity knows of his name by means of runic signatures that...
, who was known to be alive at about the same time.
In 750 Cynewulf was imprisoned by Eadberht of Northumbria
Eadberht of Northumbria
Eadberht was king of Northumbria from 737 or 738 to 758. He was the brother of Ecgbert, Archbishop of York. His reign is seen as a return to the imperial ambitions of seventh-century Northumbria and may represent a period of economic prosperity. He faced internal opposition from rival dynasties...
for giving sanctuary to Prince Offa during a dynastic clash.
External links
- Catholic Encyclopedia highlighting the possible link with the poet Cynewulf
- Prosopography of Anglo Saxon England entry for Cynewulf