Aldhelm was educated at St.Augustine’s of Canterbury. There he learned, star craft, ecclesiastical arithmetic in addition to music and theology. We’re told he had wonderful hands which made him the best of all the lute players. He wrote poems to be sung to a harp accompaniment designed as aids to preaching.

Sherborne became a new diocese in England around 705 and Aldhelm became its first bishop. As bishop he visited his huge diocese going from village to village and from one religious house to another. We are told his preaching made a deep impact. Although his many achievements are perhaps not sufficiently appreciated, his name still lives on.