sentences:  In 676, Seaxwulf gave refuge to Bishop Putta of Rochester.In a similar development, Seaxwulf's near contemporary Stephen of Ripon mentions St. Wilfrid's period of exile in Mercia, "amid the profound respect of that bishopric which the most reverend Bishop [Seaxwulf] had formerly ruled".Beyond the details recording Seaxwulf's foundation and abbacy of Medeshamstede, and his episcopacy in Mercia, there are scattered references suggesting that Seaxwulf had previously been an important nobleman, and that he played a similarly important role as abbot, and later as bishop.