St John of Beverley

Bishop of York. This eighth century saint was born at Harpham in Humberside. He studied at Canterbury before returning to Yorkshire to become a monk at St Hilda's double monastery at Whitby.

In 687, he was consecrated bishop of Hexham. St John was known for his special care for the poor and for those with disabilities. He taught one young man to speak.

From time to time he would go on retreat to his hermitage. He founded the forest monastery of Beverley and retired there in 717. He died on this day in 721. Both Bede and Alcuin record many miracles attributed to him. Julian of Norwich and St John Fisher were devotees.

King Henry V said he owed his victory at Agincourt to Saint John of Beverley.