Godric of Finchale

Godric was born in the tenth century at Walpole, in Norfolk in a peasant family. He eventually rose from poverty to wealth through sales, investments, and shipping, though he is primarily remembered as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

As a young boy he peddled wares throughout the neighboring villages. Later, as he made more money at his trade, he expended to other cities, fairs and urban markets. In order to improve his business, he associated with other peddlers.

In association with other merchants Godric was able to get a ship and his trade activities led him to Scotland and England, and after a while expanded to Denmark, Brittany and Flanders. Due to his physical vigor and strong will he was elected a captain. The business prospered, and he owned a half partnership in one ship, and a partnership in the commodities on a second ship. After 16 years of mercantile and maritime activities he accumulated a substantial fortune.

Inclined to religion from before, he went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1101. Interestingly, there he was described as pirate. Returning to England, he devoted himself to religious life as a hermit at Finchale, near Durham, where he built an oracle.