 Wilfrid spent his exile in Mercia , where he enjoyed the staunch support of King Æthelred . In 702 or 703 , Aldfrith convened a council at Austerfield , on the southern border of Northumbria , which was attended by Berhtwald , Archbishop of Canterbury , and many bishops . The question of Wilfrid 's return to Northumbria was hotly debated and then rejected by the bishops . According to Stephen of Ripon , King Aldfrith offered to use his army to pressure Wilfrid into accepting the decision , but the bishops reminded him that he had promised Wilfrid safe @-@ conduct . After returning to Mercia , Wilfrid was excommunicated by his enemies among the bishops . He responded by journeying to Rome , where he appealed in person to Pope John VI . The Pope provided him with letters to Aldfrith ordering that Wilfrid be restored to his offices . Aldfrith refused to receive the letters , and Wilfrid remained in disfavour . 
