Ceolwulf, King of the Northumbrians between 729 and 737, abdicated the throne to became a monk on Holy Island. He is remembered in Norham, where his body was later laid to rest.
St Aidan brought the Good News of Jesus to the people of Northumbria over a thousand years ago. He came from the Island of Iona to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and crossed the River Tweed at Norham.
After Aidan died, Cuthbert, a monk at Melrose Abbey, was made Bishop on Holy Island in 685. When the Vikings attacked the coast and island a century later, the monks brought the bodies of St Cuthbert and St Ceolwulf to Norham.
Cuthbert’s body went on to be buried at Durham, where Durham Cathedral now stands. Ceolwulf’s body was buried somewhere in Norham, but no-one knows where.
The Venerable Bede, the scholarly monk of the monastery at Wearmouth-Jarrow, wrote A History of the English Church and People in about 731. He dedicated it to St Ceolwulf, and wrote as follows:
‘To the most Glorious King Ceolwulf… Some while ago, at Your Majesty’s request, I gladly sent you the history of the English Church and People… I warmly welcome the diligent zeal with which you study the words of Holy Scripture and your eager desire to know something of the doings and sayings of [people] of the past… For if history records good things of good [people], the thoughtful hearer is encouraged to imitate what is good… Your Majesty is well aware of this; and since you feel… deeply responsible for the… good of… [your people], you wish that this history may be made better known both to yourself and to [them].’
Ceolwulf was interested in history; he studied hard, cared about people and wanted them to learn. This makes him a good patron saint for Norham Church of England First School – and, as far as we know, it’s the only school in the world named after him.
We may not know for sure where Ceolwulf is buried, but he is definitely not forgotten. There is a service at St Cuthbert’s Church in Norham every 15th January to celebrate The Festival of Saint Ceolwulf.
Find out more about Ceolwulf and much more about Norham and St Cuthbert’s Church.
Images: St Cuthbert’s Church; the tranquil churchyard; and the Venerable Bede window: Jo Scott.
