ABSTRACT
During the eighth century Echternach functioned as an important center of Insular tradition, in terms of both ecclesiastical and artistic practice. The monastery's founder, Willi-brord, was born in Northumbria. At the age of twenty he joined the community of English monks at Rath Melsigi in Ireland. He was sent to Frisia in 690 and in 695 was consecrated as archbishop of the Frisian church. He benefited from the protection and patronage of Pippin II, the Carolingian mayor of the palace, and his family. Pippins mother-in-law, Abbess Irmina, made the initial alienation of land for the foundation of a monasteriolum at Echternach. The Echternach Gospels have been attributed to the same Lindisfkrne scribe responsible for the Durham Gospels. By the ninth century Echternach had become a community of canons governed by a Lay abbot. Echternach is counted among the last great schools of Ottoman manuscript production; as such it maintained its connections with the imperial rulers into the following dynasty.
