 Æthelbert retired some time before his death , consecrating Eanbald as his successor . The exact date this occurred is unclear . Alcuin gives a date corresponding to July 778 , but it could be 777 too . Eanbald 's position may have just been as an associate bishop , with Æthelbert remaining in office until his death while sharing the office with Eanbald . During his retirement , he had constructed a new church dedicated to Alma Sophia . He lived long enough to consecrate the new church , ten days before his death on 8 November . 
