CHAPTER 40: Wilfrid is welcomed by Berhtwald [681]
CHAPTER 40
Wilfrid is welcomed by Berhtwald [681]
So Wilfrid and his companions left their native land and set off in exile for the kingdoms of the south. God, who does not leave his saints to endure alone, sent a kind-hearted man to meet them on their way, a sheriff of noble birth called Berhtwald, nephew to Aethilred, king of Mercia.1 As soon as he saw such honourable men and ascertained the reason for their wanderings he begged them in God’s name to come and stay with him. He insisted that they accept part of his estate to settle down on. Wilfrid sincerely thanked God for having given him the consolation of somewhere to rest and without delay founded a little monastery. His monks occupy it to this day. But, alas, the ancient enemy was always on the alert and King Aethilred and his queen, Ecgfrith’s sister, hearing that Wilfrid had been staying there awhile in peace, forbade Berhtwald, as he valued his safety, to harbour him another day. They did this to flatter Ecgfrith. The monks remained, but Wilfrid was spitefully driven out and made his way to Centwini, king of the West Saxons. He was not long there either for persecution followed him. Centwini’s queen. Queen Iurminburgh’s sister, detested him, so, because of the three kings we have mentioned, he was forced to move on yet again.