Aldhelm had received his first education in…
705 CE
Aldhelm had received his first education in the school of an Irish scholar and monk, Máeldub (also Maildubh, Maildulf or Meldun; died in about 675), who had settled in the British stronghold of Bladon (or Bladow) on the site of the town called Mailduberi, Maldubesburg, Meldunesburg, etc., and finally Malmesbury, after him.
Pope Vitalian in 668 had sent Theodore of Tarsus to be Archbishop of Canterbury.
The African scholar Hadrian had at the same time become abbot of St Augustine's at Canterbury.
Aldhelm was one of his disciples, for he addresses him as the 'venerable preceptor of my rude childhood.'
He must, nevertheless, have been thirty years of age when he began to study with Hadrian.
His studies included Roman law, astronomy, astrology, the art of reckoning and the difficulties of the calendar.
He learned, according to the doubtful statements of the early lives, both Greek and Hebrew.
He certainly introduced many Latinized Greek words into his works.
Hædde, Bishop of Winchester, dies in 705 or perhaps earlier, and the diocese is divided into two parts.
Sherborne is the new see, of which Aldhelm in around 705 becomes the first bishop.
He wishes to resign the abbey of Malmesbury which he had governed for thirty years, but yielding to the remonstrances of the monks he continues to direct it until his death.
He is now an old man, but he shows great activity in his new functions.
The cathedral church that he builds at Sherborne, though replaced later by a Norman church, is described by William of Malmesbury.
In his capacity as bishop, he displayed a great deal of energy.
This includes going into public places where he sings hymns and passages from the gospels interspersed with bits of clowning to draw attention to his message.
Aldhelm writes a number of Latin riddles (later translated into Old English and collected in the Exeter Book).
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