Baptism of King Edwin
Edwin was baptized by Bishop Paulinus at York on Easter Sunday, 12 April 627. His conversion supported the spread of Christianity among the Northumbrian royal household and its subjects.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
627 in England
Explore 11 historical events and records for England in 627.
Historical records for England in 627
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Baptism
Baptizes the King of Northumbria at York
Chief Priest Coifi Rejects Old Worship
At Edwins council, the high priest Coifi spoke against the traditional religion and favoured receiving Christianity. Bedes narrative portrays the priests intervention as important to the decision.
Coifi Destroys Temple at Goodmanham
After the council endorsed Christianity, Coifi profaned a pagan sanctuary traditionally located at Goodmanham in the account given by Bede. The event symbolized the rejection of the old cult.
Edwin Consults Council on Conversion
Edwin assembled his advisers to discuss whether the Northumbrian court should adopt Christianity. Bede describes the resulting council as a decisive stage in the royal conversion.
Edwin Orders Timber Church at York
Edwin arranged for a wooden church dedicated to Saint Peter to be built at York for his baptism, according to Bede. A later stone church was begun on the same site.
Edwin Supports Eorpwalds Christian Conversion
Bede relates that Eorpwald of East Anglia accepted Christianity under the influence of King Edwin. The dating is approximate and the event concerns Edwins political and religious influence beyond Northumbria.
Paulinus Baptizes Converts at Glen
Bede describes Paulinus baptizing numerous converts in the River Glen in Bernicia during the Northumbrian mission. The specific year is not securely dated and 627 marks the general period after Edwins conversion.
Paulinus Baptizes Converts at Swale
Bede reports that Paulinus baptized many converts in the River Swale near Catterick. This activity illustrates the geographical reach of the mission supported by Edwin. The assigned year is approximate rather than securely documented.
Royal Councillor Compares Life to Sparrow
Bede reports that one of Edwins counsellors compared human life to a sparrow passing briefly through a warm hall. The image was used to argue that the new teaching deserved examination.
Stone Church Construction Begins at York
After his baptism, Edwin began constructing a more substantial stone church around the earlier wooden building at York. Bede states that the work remained unfinished at the kings death.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.