Wulfred

Wulfred (died 832) was an Anglo-Saxon Archbishop of Canterbury in the early 9th century. His archiepiscopate, beginning in 805, was marked by significant conflict with King Coenwulf of Mercia over the control of monastic lands and the influence of the church.

Wulfred's election as archbishop followed the death of Æthelheard and was approved by Coenwulf, then the dominant ruler in southern England. However, tensions soon arose regarding royal encroachment on church property, particularly wealthy monasteries such as Reculver and Minster-in-Thanet. Coenwulf attempted to assert greater control over these establishments and their revenues, actions which Wulfred resisted.

The conflict between Wulfred and Coenwulf escalated to the point where Wulfred was likely deprived of his archiepiscopal powers for a period of several years. The exact duration of this suspension is debated by historians, but charters from the time indicate a lack of archiepiscopal activity. It is believed that Coenwulf prevented Wulfred from exercising his functions, possibly by seizing Canterbury or exiling him.

After Coenwulf's death in 821, Wulfred was restored to his full authority. He then reached a settlement with Coenwulf's successor, Ceolwulf I, which involved the church relinquishing some land in exchange for the restoration of archiepiscopal rights and influence.

Following the Mercian kings, Wulfred continued to serve as Archbishop under the rule of Egbert of Wessex, who eventually brought Mercia under West Saxon control. He played a role in the reorganization of the English church during a period of political upheaval.

Wulfred's tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury is significant for demonstrating the ongoing power struggles between the church and the state in Anglo-Saxon England. He actively defended the rights and property of the church against royal overreach and left a lasting legacy. He died in 832 and was succeeded by Feologild.