Coifi

rdf:langString Coifi

rdf:langString Coifi or Cofi was the priest of the temple at Goodmanham in the Kingdom of Northumbria in 627. Bede's description of Coifi is that of the chief of priests in Northumbria; the fact that he is the chief priest suggests that there was some sort of organised pagan priesthood in existence during Coifi's time. Whilst we know very little about Coifi we do at least know of some of the aspects of his priestly life. Bede informs us of some of the restrictions placed upon Coifi as a priest, such as not being allowed to bear arms or ride a stallion. Coifi was one of the people King Edwin of Northumbria sought for advice on whether to convert to Christianity as preached by Paulinus, chaplain to his Christian queen Ethelburga. It is worth noting that Coifi was a member of the council, the witan, consulted by the king. Coifi declared that the pagan religion he had followed had no advantage, and that he had followed it in ignorance. Coifi mounted a stallion and rode from the king's council (which according to local tradition was held at the royal summer encampment at Londsborough), to the pagan temple at Goodmanham, where he cast a spear into the altar before setting the building on fire, as the people watched.