Anglo-Saxon mission

Ecgberht of Ripon, who had studied at Rath Melsigi in Ireland,[2] began to organize monks to proselytize in Frisia;[3] many other high-born notables were associated with his work: Adalbert of Egmond, and Chad of Mercia.

He, however, was dissuaded from accompanying them himself by a vision related to him by a monk who had been a disciple of Boisil (Prior of Melrose Abbey under Abbot Eata).

[6] Pepin II, who wished to extend his influence in the Low Countries, granted free passage to Rome to Willibrord, to be consecrated Bishop of Frisia; Norman F. Cantor singles this out as the first joint project between Carolingians and the Papacy: "It set the pattern for their increasing association in the first half of the 8th century as a result of their joint support of the efforts of the Anglo-Saxon missionaries.

"[7] Notable among these missionaries is Saint Boniface who was active in the area of Fulda (modern Hesse), establishing or re-establishing the bishoprics of Erfurt, Würzburg, Büraburg, as well as Eichstätt,[8] Regensburg, Augsburg, Freising, Passau and Salzburg (739) further to the south-east.

Almost immediately the Anglo-Saxon missionaries came in contact with the Pippinids, the new dominant family in Frankish territories.

After the Saxon rebellion in 782, it was from Echternach that Willehad resumed his missionary activities,[14] to be later consecrated bishop of Bremen.