Birinus

Birinus (died 3 December c. 650 AD) was the first Bishop of Dorchester and is known as the "Apostle to the West Saxons".

Born in what is now France, Birinus was commissioned by Pope Honorius I to convert the pagan inhabitants of the interior of England. He arrived in the kingdom of Wessex in 634, landing at the port of Hamwic (modern Southampton). Finding the West Saxons still largely pagan, Birinus preached to them and successfully converted King Cynegils. Cynegils was baptized in 635 at Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, and Birinus established his episcopal see there. Cynegils granted him Dorchester, and Birinus dedicated a church there.

Birinus continued to travel throughout the region, converting many West Saxons and building churches. He is credited with introducing Benedictine monasticism to Wessex. He remained Bishop of Dorchester until his death, circa 650 AD.

After his death, Birinus was venerated as a saint. His feast day is celebrated on December 3. His relics were translated to Winchester Cathedral in the 10th century, where they were enshrined. Birinus is considered the patron saint of Dorchester-on-Thames. His legacy is significant for the establishment of Christianity in Wessex and its subsequent influence on the religious landscape of England.