Editing Wilfrid (section)

=== Delays and difficulties ===
Wilfrid delayed his return from Gaul, only to find on his arrival back in Northumbria that Ceadda had been installed as bishop in his place.<ref name=EncASE /> The reason for Wilfrid's delay has never been clear, although the historians [[Eric John]] and Richard Abels theorise that it was caused by Alhfrith's unsuccessful revolt against Oswiu. They suggest that the rebellion happened shortly after Whitby, perhaps while Wilfrid was in Gaul for his consecration. Because Oswiu knew that Alhfrith had been a supporter of Wilfrid's, Oswiu prevented Wilfrid's return, suspecting Wilfrid of supporting his rivals.<ref name=Reassess32 /><ref name=Abels18>Abels "Council of Whitby" ''Journal of British Studies'' pp. 18–19</ref> That Ceadda was supported by Oswiu, and Wilfrid had been a supporter of Oswiu's son, lends further credence to the theory that Alhfrith's rebellion took place while Wilfrid was in Gaul.<ref name=Farmer23>Farmer "Introduction" ''Age of Bede'' p. 23</ref> Stephen of Ripon reported that Wilfrid was expelled by "[[Quartodeciman]]s", or those who supported the celebration of Easter on the 14th day of the Jewish month [[Nisan]], whether or not this was a Sunday. However, as the Irish church had never been Quartodecimans, Stephen in this instance was constructing a narrative to put Wilfrid in the best light.<ref name=Rollason100>Rollason "Hagiography and Politics" ''Holy Men and Holy Women'' p. 100</ref>

During his return to Northumbria Wilfrid's ship was blown ashore on the Sussex coast, the inhabitants of which were at that time pagan. On being attacked by the locals, Wilfrid's party killed the head priest before refloating their ship and making their escape.<ref name=DNB /> The historian Marion Gibbs suggests that after this episode Wilfrid visited [[Kent]] again, and took part in the diplomacy related to [[Wighard|Wigheard]]'s appointment to the see of Canterbury. Wilfrid may also have taken part in negotiations to persuade King Cenwalh of Wessex to allow Agilbert to return to his see.<ref name=Gibbs220>Gibbs "Decrees of Agatho" ''Speculum'' pp. 220–221</ref>