Alcuin
(d. May 19, 804). Religious advisor to the Emperor Charlemagne. He was born about 730 in York of a noble family related to Willibrord, the first missionary to the Netherlands. In Pavia, Italy, he met Charlemagne, who persuaded him to become his advisor in religious and educational affairs. Alcuin started a palace library for Charlemagne and the Palace School at Aachen. He was appointed abbot of Tours in 796, and he helped to preserve the classical texts of western civilization. Through his work many of the ancient collects have been preserved, including the collect for purity. He died in Tours. Alcuin's work is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on May 20.
Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.