St Wilfrid is one of the great saints of the seventh century, that most richly creative period in the history of Britain. The stunning illuminated manuscripts produced in Northumbria during his lifetime tell of diverse and vigorous artistic traditions – Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Byzantine, Roman and Egyptian – brought together in a great synthesis by the unifying power of the Christian faith.

Educated at Lindisfarne, Wilfrid spent some years in Lyon and Rome before famously appearing before the ‘council’ of Whitby to make the case against the Irish dating of Easter. At ease in the exercise of authority, familiar with the complexities of power politics in a world often riven by warfare, this controversial Anglo-Saxon hero remained a devout monk. Saint Wilfrid vividly presents his life against the backdrop of his momentous times.