Ælfheah, more commonly known today as Alphege, was an Anglo-Saxon Bishop of Winchester, later Archbishop of Canterbury from 1006 to 1012. He became an anchorite before being elected abbot of Bath Abbey. His reputation for piety and sanctity led to his promotion to the episcopate and, eventually, to his becoming archbishop. Ælfheah furthered the cult of Dunstan and also encouraged learning. He was captured by Viking raiders in 1011 during the siege of Canterbury and killed by them the following year after refusing to allow himself to be ransomed. Ælfheah was canonised as a saint in 1078. Thomas Becket, a later Archbishop of Canterbury, prayed to Ælfheah just before his murder in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170.
Christian feast day: Ælfheah of Canterbury (Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox)
On April 19, in the year 0, Christian feast day: Ælfheah of Canterbury (Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox). This event is recorded as a Holidays event in the history of April 19, one of 299 recorded events on this date across all of history.
Key Facts
- This event took place on April 19, 0 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Holidays event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 4 Wikipedia articles.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 26 March 2026.
On This Date in History 299
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