Wilford, supposed to be earl of Rochdale. Three things he had a passion for: “the finest hound, the finest horse, and the finest wife in the three kingdoms.” It turned out that Master Walter, “the hunchback,” was the earl of Rochdale, and Wilford was no one.--S. Knowles, The Hunchback (1831).
Wilford (Lord), the truant son of Lord Woodville, who fell in love with Bess, the daughter of the “blind beggar of Bethnal Green.” He saw her by accident in London, lost sight of her, but resolved not to rest night or day till he found her; and, said he, “If I find her not, I’m tenant of the house the sexton builds.” Bess was discovered in the Queen’s Arms inn, Romford, and turned out to be his cousin.--S. Knowles, The Beggar of Bethnal Green (1834).
Wilfred, “the fool,” one of the sons of Sir Hildebrand Osbaldistone, of Osbaldistone Hall.--Sir W. Scott, Rob Roy (time, George I.).
Wilfrid, son of Oswald Wycliffe; in love with Matilda, heiress of Rokeby’s knight. After various villainies, Oswald forced from Matilda a promise to marry Wilfrid. Wilfrid thanked her for the promise, and fell dead at her feet.--Sir W. Scott, Rokeby (1813).
Wilfrid or Wilfrith (St.). In 681, the Bishop Wilfrith, who had been bishop of York, being deprived of his see, came to Sussex, and did much to civilize the people. He taught them how to catch fish generally, for before they only knew how to catch eels. He founded the bishopric of the South Saxons at Selsey, afterwards removed to Chichester, founded the monastery of Ripon, built several ecclesiastical edifices, and died in 709.
St. Wilfrid, sent from York into the realms received
(Whom the Northumbrian folk had of his see bereaved),
And on the south of Thames a seat did him afford,
By whom the people first received the saving word.
Drayton, Polyolbion, xi. (1613).