Cuthbert

Also known as: Bishop Cuthbert / St. Cuthbert / blessed Cuthbert / the holy and venerable Cuthbert / the man of God, Cuthbert · Family: English · Role: bishop · First appears: Book IV · Chap. XXVI

In c. 684, at Mailros, Cuthbert submitted to Boisil’s direction, receiving instruction in Scripture and an example of good works. After Boisil’s death, Cuthbert became provost, instructed many in monastic life, and worked to convert the surrounding people from idolatrous practices. His abbot, Eata, then moved him to Lindisfarne to instruct the brethren as provost and uphold regular discipline. In the same year that Egfrid departed this life, Egfrid caused Cuthbert to be ordained bishop of Lindisfarne; he was later chosen by unanimous consent and consecrated at York at Easter before Egfrid, with Theodore among the seven bishops present.

While serving God in solitude, Cuthbert was associated with signs including a spring appearing in his dwelling and a plentiful crop from barley sown late. When Egfrid, Trumwine, and others came to draw him from his retreat to the synod, he was chiefly persuaded by Boisil’s earlier prophecy that he would become a bishop. At Lugubalia, Cuthbert told Herebert, his spiritual friend and a regular recipient of his teaching, “when we part, we shall never again see one another with bodily eyesight in this world.” Cuthbert died at Farne, and he and Herebert died on the same day, 20 March, their spirits being united in the blessed vision.

Eleven years after his burial, Cuthbert’s body was found whole and uncorrupted, with pliable limbs and fresh vestments, and was placed in a new coffin above the sanctuary pavement. Eadbert was buried beneath it in Cuthbert’s grave, while Badudegn was healed of palsy at Cuthbert’s tomb after praying before his body. Later, in 740, Cuthbert was consecrated in Nothelm’s stead; Bede wrote his life in verse and prose.