THE ARCHBISHOPS OF YORK

As stated, Northumbrian coins were not just issued by kings, but also (sometimes jointly, sometimes individually) by the various archbishops of York. Although not all exercised this right, some did – their coins surviving in varying numbers. These include the following.

Archbishop Ecgberht – notable reformer of the English church and proponent of Bede’s teachings, as well as correspondent and personal friend of the Northumbrian scholar Alcuin. Ecgberht issued coins jointly with his brother King Eadberht, these uniquely depicting him standing between two crosses or croziers (Figure 12). An excellent in-depth die and metallurgical study of these coins has been recently undertaken by Dr Ronald Bude, published in the British Numismatic Journal.

Archbishop Eanbald I – who presided over the Synod of Whitby (which laid down rules for clergy) and oversaw the rebuilding of York Minster. Eanbald co-issued coins with Aethelred I (Figure 13).

Archbishop Eanbald II – successor of Eanbald I and also a friend of Alcuin, who laid down further rules for clergy and was ultimately ostracised by King Eardwulf for allowing his enemies to claim sanctuary. Primary sources suggest he died around 808, though coinevidence infers that pieces were struck in his name up till approximately 830 (Figure 14).

Archbishop Wigmund – primarily an issuer of copper-alloy stycas in his own name, but famous in numismatic terms for the particularly fine gold ‘solidus’ or medallion (a special issue, perhaps an ecclesiastical diplomatic gift) that now resides in the British Museum (Figure 15).

Archbishop Wulfhere – the last Northumbrian archbishop to strike coins, Wulfhere was present when the Great Heathen Army attacked York and effectively destroyed the kingdom, taking it over and dividing it amongst themselves. Acting initially as a peacemaker and mediator, he stayed in power until 872 – when rebellion against the Vikings forced him to flee to Mercia (Figure 16). However, he was able to return the next year.