12 Facts About Agilbert

The date and place of Agilbert's birth are unknown, but evidence suggests it took place between 610 and 620.

Agilbert was consecrated as a bishop in Francia before he travelled to Britain.

Agilbert arrived in the West Saxon kingdom after the return to power of King Cenwalh of Wessex, who had been driven out by Penda of Mercia, either in the late 640s or 650s.

Agilbert was appointed to succeed Birinus as bishop of the West Saxons, or the Wessex folk, who following their seizure of part of Christian Mercia set up the first Wessex see as Bishop of Dorchester, near Oxford.

Agilbert, according to Bede's Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, had "spent a long time in Ireland for the purpose of studying the Scriptures".

Agilbert then travelled north to Northumbria, where he ordained Wilfrid.

Agilbert was present at the Synod of Whitby in 664, where he led the pro-Roman party, but he had the young Wilfrid speak on his behalf.

Agilbert became bishop of Paris between 666 and 668, and hosted Theodore of Tarsus.

Agilbert was later invited to return by Cenwalh, to become Bishop of Winchester, but sent his nephew Leuthhere in his place.

Kirby, is unsure if Agilbert actually went to Northumbria after being expelled from Dorchester, suggesting it is just as likely that he went directly to the continent.

Agilbert was buried at Jouarre Abbey where his sister Theodechildis was abbess.

Agilbert's fine sculpted sarcophagus can be seen there in the crypts, as can that of his sister.