Stephen of Ripon

Rudyard Kipling’s poem about St Wilfrid’s chaplain and an unusual Christmas congregation.

Kipling firmly believed that Christianity should embrace the animal kingdom, and this poem precedes a tale in which a seal plays a key role in the conversion of the South Saxons. That story and this poem are pure fiction, though Eddi (Eddius Stephanus, Stephen of Ripon) really was St Wilfrid’s chaplain.

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The Blessed Virgin Mary adds four years to the life of Bishop Wilfrid, and an angel suggests a suitable thank-you.

Wilfrid, bishop of Hexham, visited Rome in 703-704, to resolve an ongoing dispute with the King of Northumbria. On his way back, he fell ill.

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St Wilfrid brings healing to the wife of his own gaoler.

Having fallen foul of Ecgfrith, King of Northumbria, in 680 Wilfrid found himself in prison, and under very unpleasant conditions. His gaoler was the King’s sheriff, Osfrith.

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St Wilfrid finds comfort during his tussle with the King of Northumbria

St Wilfrid was made Bishop of York, capital of the ancient Kingdom of Northumbria, in 665. He was involved in constant controversy as he resented King Ecgfrith’s interference, but he was also a key figure in keeping the English Church in close contact with the Orthodox churches of Rome and Greece, for which Bede praises him.

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