Saint Botulph
Saint Botulph (also Botolph, Botulf; born c. 610 AD in England or possibly Flanders; died June 17, 680 AD at Icanho, East Anglia, England) was an Anglo-Saxon abbot who founded the monastery of Icanho in East Anglia and is venerated as the patron saint of travelers and wayfarers. The city of Boston, Lincolnshire (and by extension Boston, Massachusetts) derives its name from "Botolph's Town." Churches dedicated to him were traditionally placed at the gates of cities so that travelers could pray before setting out. His feast day is June 17.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Botulph
| Saint Botulph | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | June 17 |
| Profession | Benedictine monk; abbot; monastic founder |
| Rel. Affiliation | Anglo-Saxon Church; East Anglia |
| Patronage | Travelers and wayfarers; Boston, Lincolnshire; farmworkers; farmers; the poor |
| Attributes | Abbot's crozier; pilgrim's staff; demon under his feet (allusion to his expulsion of demons from Icanho) |
| Birthplace | England or Flanders |
| Death Place | Icanho (possibly Iken, Suffolk), East Anglia, England |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | St Botolph's Church, Boston, Lincolnshire, England (the "Stump"); also Iken, Suffolk |
| Liturgical Class | Not included (universal calendar); observed in Anglican calendar and Diocese of East Anglia |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Early life and education
Botulph was born around 610, possibly in England or possibly in Flanders where some traditions say he studied in Irish-influenced monasteries on the continent. He returned to England and was granted land in East Anglia by King Æthelmund to found a monastery. The location of this monastery, called Icanho, has been debated; Iken in Suffolk (a small village on the Alde estuary) is the most commonly favored identification.
Monastery of Icanho
Around 654 AD Botulph founded his monastery and served as its abbot for the rest of his life. The Venerable Bede mentions him briefly and respectfully, noting his learning and holiness. His brother Saint Adulf became a bishop in Belgium.
The hagiographic tradition credits Botulph with overcoming demonic forces that had occupied the site of Icanho before his arrival—a common hagiographic motif that reflects the missionary confrontation between Christianity and paganism in early Anglo-Saxon England.
Patron of travelers
Botulph's role as patron of travelers derives from the medieval custom of placing churches dedicated to him at the gates of cities and towns—so that travelers beginning or ending a journey could seek his blessing. Churches at the gates of London (including the famous St Botolph without Aldersgate, St Botolph without Aldgate, St Botolph without Bishopsgate, and St Botolph without Newgate) are the most famous examples. The parish church of Boston, Lincolnshire—the town that derives its name from him ("Bot's town" → Boston)—is St Botolph's Church, nicknamed "The Stump" for its distinctive unfinished tower.
Boston
The name Boston in Lincolnshire derives from "Botulph's stone" or "Botulph's town." The Puritan colonists who sailed from Boston, Lincolnshire, to found Boston, Massachusetts in 1630 carried the name with them—making Botulph, indirectly, the patron saint of one of America's most historically significant cities.
Significant events
- Born c. 610; possibly educated in Flemish or Irish monasteries.
- Founded the monastery of Icanho in East Anglia c. 654 AD.
- Served as abbot until his death June 17, 680 AD.
- Venerated as patron of travelers; churches placed at city gates in his honor.
- Boston, Lincolnshire ("Botulph's Town") named after him; from which Boston, Massachusetts takes its name.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: England or Flanders
Death location: Icanho (possibly Iken, Suffolk), East Anglia, England
Notable location: Probable site of the monastery of Icanho which he founded (Iken, Suffolk, England)
Notable location: Town named "Botolph's Town" (Boston) after him; the principal church is called St Botolph's (Boston, Lincolnshire, England)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- St Botolph's Church (the Stump), Boston, Lincolnshire, England — the great medieval parish church of Boston; one of the finest perpendicular Gothic churches in England; its tower visible for miles.
- Iken Church (St Botolph's), Iken, Suffolk — small church on the probable site of his original monastery.
Feast day
June 17
Veneration
Saint Botulph is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion with a feast day on June 17. He is the patron of travelers.
Prayers
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