Saint angilbert

c.740-814

Born into a noble family, Angilbert was educated at Charlemagne’s court, most likely under the eminent scholar Alcuin. He displayed incredible talents as a poet, which led to others at court, and Charlemagne himself, calling him ‘Homer’. Some of his verses — including a poem created for the king, ‘Ad Carolum regem’ — provide an understanding of the royal court that remains useful today. A prominent supporter of Charlemagne’s education reforms, he established a school at the monastery of Saint Riquier. He encouraged the Carolingian Renaissance and his flourishing talents were a testament to its success. He was later canonised in the 12th century.