Advisor to Popes
John of Blodwel
The published guidebook to St Michael’s holds a single, enigmatic reference to the “legendary St. Blodwel.” Yet, despite the power of modern search engines and artificial intelligence, no further trace of this saint can be found. Instead, the village’s true connection to history lies in the remarkable life of John of Blodwel, a figure who rose from humble beginnings to serve at the highest levels of the Catholic Church.
Early Life and Education
Born around 1380 in what we now call Llanyblodwel, John of Blodwel was the illegitimate child of a married priest. Despite the social stigma of his birth, he received a papal dispensation to be ordained, allowing him to erase all references to his origins. While details of his early education remain unknown, John’s intellectual promise led him to the University of Bologna, Europe’s oldest university, where he studied both Roman and Canon Law.
Linguist and Diplomat
A gifted linguist, John of Blodwel spoke English, Welsh, Latin, French, and Italian. His command of languages and legal expertise earned him a position in the Vatican, where he managed diplomatic correspondence. His career reached a pivotal moment when he was appointed to a commission at the Council of Constance in 1414. This council was convened to resolve the Great Schism, a period when multiple claimants vied for the papacy. The council’s work led to the election of Pope Martin V, who was himself a member of the commission on which John served.
Ecclesiastical Career in England
Favoured by his papal connections, John of Blodwel returned to England in 1430. He held prestigious positions as canon in the cathedrals of Hereford, Lichfield, Wells, and St David’s, as well as appointments as Proctor of Durham and Dean of St Asaph. In 1439, he became the rector of Balsham parish church in Cambridgeshire, where he contributed to community worship. It was here, after some years, that he lost his sight. Despite his blindness, he continued to serve the parish until his death on 16 April 1462, leaving a lasting legacy within the Llanyblodwel church and the surrounding community.
Legacy and Memorial
John of Blodwel was buried in Balsham church in Cambridgeshire, where a fine monumental brass still marks his grave. The Latin inscription, translated into modern English, reads:
“The eminent doctor John Blodwell rests for a while beneath this stone. He was blind for a long time; while he lived here as a little old man he was an ornament of the Church and gave kind refreshment to his fellow men. May God himself be to him refreshment, light and peace. He died on the sixteenth of April 1462. May God in his mercy give eternal rest. Amen.”
A unique feature of the brass is a foot inscription in the form of a dialogue, reflecting on the transience of worldly achievements and the inevitability of mortality. The exchange, between Blodwel and a second voice, meditates on the vanity of praise, fame, and worldly success, concluding with the reminder that “all flesh is grass, which soon dies.” The reader is urged to pray for the dead and to remember the fleeting nature of life.
The Image of St Michael
The brass also features an image of St Michael the Archangel. The dedication of churches to saints became widespread in England in the 13th century, though many such dedications were lost during the Protestant Reformation and only revived in later centuries. The presence of St Michael on John’s tomb suggests that the dedication of St Michael’s in Llanyblodwel may predate the Reformation by several centuries.
Enduring Connection to Llanyblodwel
Although John’s career took him far from his birthplace, it is likely that he maintained a connection to Llanyblodwel. The tradition of Mothering Sunday, originally a day for Christians to return to their church of baptism, suggests that John may have returned to his home parish during his lifetime. The image of St Michael on his tomb further hints at a lasting bond with the church and village of his birth.