Leuthere

Leuthere (or Leutherius) was an Anglo-Saxon Bishop of Winchester, serving between 670 and 676.

Leuthere was consecrated in 670. He died before 676. Bede records that he attended the Council of Hertford in 672.

Biography

Family Leuthere was born to a prominent clerical family in Soissons, Neustria. He was a nephew of Agilbert, Bishop of Paris and of Saint Thelchildes, the first Abbess of Jouarre Abbey. Their father, and Leuthere's grandfather, was a wealthy Neustrian noble named Betto-Belfredus.

Leuthere is the most probable subject of a letter from Saint Aldhelm, during his studies in Kent from 670-672. The letter is published by William of Malmesbury in his Gesta Pontificum Anglorum, allegedly composed to "...Heddam antecessorem suum", the predecessor of Hædde.

Leuthere was present at the Council of Hertford assembled by Archbishop Theodore in 672.

He is recorded in a dateless charter witnessing a grant of 30 hides in Fontmell Brook, Dorset from King Cenred of Wessex to Abbot Bectun.

In November 676, Leuthere witnessed a grant of land from King Osric of Hwicce to Abbess Bertana to form a convent at Bath.

Death Bede records that Leuthere died in 676. His successor, Hædde, was consecrated in London by Theodore.