16th November – Ælfric of Abingdon – d.1005

Ælfric of Abingdon
November 16th is Saint Ælfric’s Feast Day. Ælfric, a monk from Abingdon, went on to become Abbot of St Albans, and then Archbishop of Canterbury.
Ælfric of Abingdon
Quite by chance, during a lunchtime walk, I found the parish church of St Mary’s, in the parish of Cardington, was open and so had a few minutes to look round inside. One notable feature is a chapel dedicated to Samuel Whitbread, the brewer and his family, who was born in Cardington.

I also noticed a book of saints and pilgrims – open at 14th-15th November, and so turned the page to 16th-17th and saw Ælfric of Abingdon – d.1005. Ælfric became well known far beyond Abingdon. I was suprised to see Abingdon mentioned in such a far away church. He died on this day in 1005.

Coincidentally it is also the Feast Day of St Edmund of Abingdon who died on 16th November 1240, at Soisy-Bouy in France.

2 thoughts on “16th November – Ælfric of Abingdon – d.1005

  1. Monica lovatt

    I have just looked him up and you can read more on Abingdon Historical and Archeological Society’s website.

    Thank you Backstreeter.

    Reply
  2. ppjs

    St Edmund is reputed to have been the first ever graduate as Master of Arts from the University of Oxford. He was also the thirteenth Archbishop of Canterbury at the time of Magna Carta.

    Contemporary Church and State could learn a lot from him.

    Reply

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