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.
Ælfheah of Canterbury, English archbishop and saint (born 954)
Ælfheah of Canterbury, English archbishop and saint (born 954)
On April 19, in the year 1012, Ælfheah of Canterbury, English archbishop and saint (born 954). This event is recorded as a Notable Deaths event in the history of April 19, one of 299 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Ælfheah of Canterbury. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on April 19, 1012 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Deaths event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 26 March 2026.
On This Date in History 299
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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