In 664, Wilfrid was appointed as the Bishop of York, a position that allowed him to further his missionary work. He became a tireless advocate for the Roman-style Church in the north of England. Under his leadership, the Diocese of York grew significantly, and he worked to establish a strong church infrastructure. Wilfrid was known for his dedication to missionary work, spreading the faith and founding monasteries across the region. He is credited with establishing the monastery at Ripon, which became a center of Christian learning.

Wilfrid’s missionary work was not limited to England. He traveled widely across Europe, preaching and seeking support for the spread of Christianity. He was a frequent traveler to Rome, where he sought confirmation for his ecclesiastical positions and received papal support. This close relationship with Rome set him apart from other Anglo-Saxon bishops and further solidified his role as a key figure in the Romanization of the English Church.

Wilfrid’s Conflict with King Ecgfrith

Despite his success, Wilfrid’s life was not without controversy. His strong advocacy for Roman practices and his efforts to centralize power in the church often put him at odds with secular rulers. One of the most significant conflicts in his life was with King Ecgfrith of Northumbria. In the early 670s, Wilfrid became embroiled in a power struggle with Ecgfrith over the control of church lands and diocesan jurisdiction.

The conflict culminated in 678, when Wilfrid was exiled from Northumbria after being deposed by the king. This exile, however, did not mark the end of his influence. Wilfrid sought refuge in the Kingdom of Sussex, where he continued his missionary work and gained the support of King Aldfrith of Northumbria. Over time, his influence and reputation grew, and he was eventually restored to his position as bishop. shutdown123