Wulmar was a 7th-century French priest and Benedictine abbot born in the County of Boulogne. After being forcibly separated from his wife, Osterhilda, due to a prior betrothal agreement, he dedicated his life to religious service. He initially served as a lay brother at Hautmont Abbey, performing manual labor such as tending cattle. Following his ordination to the priesthood, he lived as a hermit in the forest near Mount Cassel before eventually establishing monastic communities near Samer.
Religious life
Following his period of solitude, Wulmar founded a monastery for men at Samer and a nunnery at Wierre-aux-Bois, the latter being overseen by his niece, Eremberta. During his travels, the West Saxon King Caedwalla reportedly provided financial support to his foundation. To avoid receiving unwanted honors, Wulmar is said to have sought refuge within a hollow oak tree for three days.
Veneration
Recognized as a saint, Wulmar is commemorated on July 20. His remains were moved from Samer to Boulogne and eventually to the Abbey of Saint Peter in Ghent. While his relics were later scattered during the French Revolution, he remains a significant figure in the religious history of the Picardy region.