Encyclopedia.com > Encyclopedias, Almanacs, Transcripts, and Maps > The Oxford Companion to British History > January 2002

Sigeberht

The Oxford Companion to British History | 2002 | 700+ words | Copyright

Sigeberht (d.635), king of the East Angles (c.630–5), became a baptized Christian when exiled in Gaul. Returning to reign, he introduced Christianity into East Anglia, aided by the Burgundian bishop Felix, and secured the future of his church by founding a school. During his reign he received the Irish monk Fursa, who established a monastery on the Suffolk coast. Described by Bede as devout and learned, he ultimately resigned his earthly kingdom, entering his own monastery. Attacked by the powerful Mercian king Penda, the East Angles tried to persuade their erstwhile distinguished royal commander to lead them. When Sigeberht refused to fight, they dragged him out of his monastery, hoping his presence would inspire the soldiers. Refusing to carry anything but a staff, he was killed by the heathen army.

Audrey MacDonald

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

  • MLA
  • Chicago
  • APA

JOHN CANNON. "Sigeberht." The Oxford Companion to British History. 2002. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN CANNON. "Sigeberht." The Oxford Companion to British History. 2002. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O110-Sigeberht.html

JOHN CANNON. "Sigeberht." The Oxford Companion to British History. 2002. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O110-Sigeberht.html

Learn more about citation styles

Find thousands of answers for hundreds of subjects at Answers Encyclopedia .

All answers verified by trusted sources at Encyclopedia.com

Try Answers Encyclopedia now!

For students and teachers!

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including:

Encyclopedia.com provides students and teachers facts, information, and biographies from verified, citable sources, including: