St. Winnoc

Winnoc, written Winoc by Butler, came from a Breton family and entered the monastery governed by St. Bertin at Sithiu with three companions. Their experience there led to a new foundation at Wormhout. After the deaths of the older companions, Winnoc became its superior.

The community built a church, cells, and a hospital for poor sick people. Butler emphasizes Winnoc’s willingness to do ordinary work himself and his particular delight in serving the sick. Even in old age he is said to have ground grain for the community and its guests. The familiar story of the mill turning without his hands belongs to the miracle tradition attached to this work; the daily labour and hospitality remain the substance of the account.

After his death on November 6, his relics were moved for protection during raids and eventually received at Bergues. The abbey there preserved his memory and manuscripts concerning his life. Butler discusses the sources and chronology at some length, distinguishing the earlier life from later writers and rejecting details he could not find in the older account.