St. Wilfrid

Our school is part of the parish of St. Wilfrid - but who was he?

Read below to find out more about our parish saint:

St Wilfrid was born in 634 in Northumbria. His mother died when he was young and Wilfrid's upbringing was a cruel one. At 13 he left home and sought the court of Oswy who was King of Northumbria. He was sent to a monastery where he trained in the study of the sacred sciences.

After this, Wilfrid wanted to better himself and become an educated man so he travelled to France and Italy. He met may friends on his travels and learned more of the Roman church. He befriended many bishops and people of high position and decided during this time to devote his life to God - even turning down the chance to marry.

He stayed in Rome for a few years where he became the secretary of Pope St. Martin.

After this time, Wilfrid returned to France - he was faced with dangerous journeys - including coming face to face with murderers but Wilfrid's spirit and faith in God never wavered. 

Wilfrid finally returned to England after 3 years in France. As he was learned in the Roman manner of the church, he instructed Kings and the people of Britain in these traditions. It was at this time that Wilfrid was made abbot of Ripon. Britain was now changing its Celtic traditions to Roman ones - Wilfrid was at the forefront of this change. This wasn't an easy thing to achieve and Wilfrid was met with much opposition however he stayed true to his beliefs and never faltered - showing courage and commitment to God.

During these ages, Lent and Easter were kept at different times throughout the land. It was St. Wilfrid who was part of ensuring that all of Britain kept Lent and Easter at the same time.

The following years say Wilfrid travel back and forth to France, ordain priests and become Bishop of York. It was during his time in York when the king fell out with Wilfrid, blaming Wilfrid for the downfall of his marriage. The king replaced Wilfrid as Bishop, much to the annoyance of Wilfrid, who sought help from the Pope in Rome. The Pope agreed with Wilfrid and restored him as Bishop of York. Unsurprisingly, the king was not happy with this decision and accused Wilfrid of bribery and imprisoned him for 9 months.

On his release from prison, Wilfrid travelled to Wessex and befriended the King of Sussex. Here, Wilfrid played an important part in freeing 250 slaves. The king was so pleased with Wilfrid that he presented him with land in which Wilfrid built a monastery.

The following years saw Wilfrid travel around Britain, residing in both York and Ripon again. More journeys to Rome followed too. Wherever he went, Wilfrid made both friends and enemies. His outspoken nature and his courage to speak out against unfairness made him unpopular amongst those in charge but Wilfrid always spoke up for those without a voice.

St. Wilfrid died in 709 in Northamptonshire. His body was buried in his church of St. Peter at Ripon.