Boniface was born in Credition in Devon, modern England. Early in life he entered into a monastic life, partially against the wishes of his father. He was trained at Adescancastre and Nursling before becoming a teacher, and at age 30 he became a priest. In 716 he travelled to Frisia as a missionary to convert them to Christianity, however his efforts were futile due to the war between Charles Martel of the Franks and the Frisian king Radbod.