Saint Cuthbert


Cuthbert, Saint, c.A.D. 635–A.D. 687, Celtic monk, bishop at Lindisfarne (685–86). He spent some time in the monastery at Ripon. When St. Wilfrid introduced the Roman computation of Easter there, he left, but later he accepted the change. Cuthbert preached for some years in his native Scotland, especially to the Picts of Galloway. He became prior at Lindisfarne (see Holy Island) but after some years resigned (676) to live in solitary retreat on Farne Island. With great reluctance, he accepted (685) the bishopric of Bernicia at Lindisfarne, retiring to Farne for his last weeks. His relics were taken to Durham later. Feast: Mar. 20. See B. Colgrave, Two Lives of Saint Cuthbert (1940, repr. 1969).

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright © 2000 Columbia University Press.