Aldred

Also known as: Aidred / Archbishop Aldred / Bishop Aldred / Bishop Aldred Of Worchester / Bishop Aldred of Worcester / Bishop Eldred / Eldred · Family: English · Role: bishop · First appears: A.D. 1046–1047

In 1047, Aldred went to Rome on King Edward’s errand. In 1049, he was with those gathered against Griffin and the Irish raiders on the Welsh coast; after the party was surprised and many were slain, the survivors escaped with the bishop. He and Bishop Hereman also went to Rome on the king’s business that year. In 1053, Aldred took the abbacy at Winchcomb, and in 1054 he travelled to Cologne, where Emperor Henry III and the Bishop of Cologne received and entertained him for nearly a year. That year, he commissioned Bishop Leofwine to consecrate the minster at Evesham.

In 1056, Aldred joined Earl Leofric and Harold son of Godwin in making peace with Griffin, who swore fidelity to King Edward. In 1060, Aldred succeeded to the see of York; the following year, he received his pall from Pope Nicholas in Rome. In 1066, Aldred and London’s leaders wished to make Edgar Etheling king, and Earl Edwin and Morkar promised to fight with them. At Berkhampstead, Aldred, Edgar, Edwin, Morkar, and London’s leading men submitted to William of Normandy, exchanging hostages and oaths. At Westminster on midwinter’s day, Aldred consecrated William king. In 1067, he consecrated Matilda queen at Westminster.