Archbishop of Bremen-Hamburg,
died at Bremen 11 June, 888. It is uncertain whether he was a
Fleming or a Norman. He was educated at the monastery of Turholt
near Brügge in Flanders. There St. Ansgar, first Archbishop
of Hamburg, became acquainted with him, and later made him his
constant companion When Ansgar died on 2 February, 865, Rimbert
was chosen his successor. Pope Nicholas I sent him the pallium in
December, 865. As Ansgar's missionary system was based on a
connection with the Benedictine Order, Rimbert became, shortly
after his consecration, a monk at Corvey, and subsequently made
missionary journeys to West Friesland, Denmark, and Sweden, but
concerning these unfortunately we have no detailed information. In
884 he succeeded in putting to flight the Norman marauders on the
coast of Friesland; in remembrance of this incident he was later
held in special veneration in Friesland. Among his episcopal
achievements the foundation of a monastery in Bücken near
Bremen and his care for the poor and sick are especially
emphasized. Historians are indebted to him for a biography of St.
Ansgar, which is distinguished by valuable historical information
and a faithful character sketch. On the other hand, the biography
of Rimbert himself, written by a monk of Corvey, is, while very
edifying, poor in actual information; hence we know so little of
his life.
Klemens Löffler.
