Hoddom is the site of a major episcopal seat established by Kentigern which, it is recorded, rivalled Lindisfarne
in importance. There are various accounts of how Kentigern came to be there. According to Jocelyn of Furness he was gifted
the land by Owain mab Urien King of Rhegged/Cumbria. As you stand in the little graveyard dedicated to Kentigern, the site
can be seen to have been well chosen, situated near the river in a fertile valley capable of supporting a large community
and strategically located for forays south across the Solway into Cumbria and Wales.
Nothing remains of the original buildings which would probably have been constructed of earthen works and wood.
In the corner of the graveyard there is a little mound which may have been the site of the original building. According to
the foundation legend Kentigern followed an angelic vision and set out with 665 disciples to arrive at Hoddom where he is
greeted by a multitude of people. "Drawing a cross and invoking the Holy Trinity, Kentigern orders anyone against the
word of God to depart. This results in a vast multitude of skeleton-like creatures, horrible in form and aspect"
departing from the assemblage and fleeing from sight. As Kentigern preaches faith in Jesus Christ the flat plain of
"Hodelm" rises into the little hill which remains to this day. Kentigern spent many years directing his evangelising
activities from Hoddom until he was eventually recalled to Glasgow where he presided over an extensive See until his death.
There is archaeological evidence of a later Northumbrian monastery based around St Kentigern's church at
Hoddom founded in the 8th century.
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