Bede the venerable

Bede the VenerableBede the VenerableBritish Literature British Literature (12(12thth))

Unit I – The Old English Unit I – The Old English PeriodPeriod

New Frontiers Lighthouse New Frontiers Lighthouse Christian AcademyChristian Academy

(Canton , Texas) (Canton , Texas)

Instructor: Joseph David Instructor: Joseph David Rhodes, M.A.Rhodes, M.A.

Semester I, 2011 -2012Semester I, 2011 -2012

Bede the Venerable

British Literature (12th)

Unit I – The Old English Period

673 Was born near Jarrow673 Was born near Jarrow680 Began his education at 680 Began his education at WearmouthWearmouth682 Still a lad, he was sent to682 Still a lad, he was sent to Jarrow, where he stayed Jarrow, where he stayed until until his death his death 692 Was ordained a deacon 692 Was ordained a deacon 703 Was ordained a priest 703 Was ordained a priest 731 Completed his 731 Completed his main work, main work, The Ecclesiastical History The Ecclesiastical History 735 Died in faith at 735 Died in faith at JarrowJarrow

Bede's tomb in Durham Cathedral

Bede the Venerable

His Early LifeHis Adult Life as a Deacon & Priest at the Jarrow Monastery

At age of 7, he was placed in the Wearmouth monastery located at the mouth of the river Wear, Northumbria

At that time a poor family was unable to take care for its children so might turn some over to the Church.

Or, a boy of humble birth might rise in the hierarchy of the society if raised in the church.

Thus we are unsure if Bede came from a poor family or if his family saw something special in the boy and realized that only the church represented an avenue for advancement.

Initially in the care of Abbot Benedict, Bede's teaching was taken over by Ceolfrith, with whom Bede moved to the monastery's new twin-house at Jarrow in 681.

(Abbot Benedict: later became responsible for the monastery and the library which the Venerable Bede produced)

Bede spent the rest of his life as a monk at Jarrow, first being taught and then teaching to the daily rhythms of monastic rule. For Bede, a mixture of prayer and study.

At the age of 19, he was ordained as a Deacon (at a time when Deacons were supposed to be 25 or over)

At the age of 30, he became a priest

Historians believe Bede left Jarrow only twice, to visit Lindisfarne and York. While his letters contain hints of other visits, there isn't any real evidence and he certainly never traveled far.

His love for the service--"I know that the angels are present at the canonical Hours, and what if they do not find me among the brethren when they assem-ble? Will they not say, Where is Bede? Why does he not attend the appointed devotions with his brethren? ”--from a letter he wrote

Bede the VenerableBede the Venerable



Introduction to Bede, Venerable Scholar and Christian:

Bede was not the first writer Christian English writer whose works have survived; this honor actually belongs to Aldhelm, an Anglo-Saxon clergyman who preceded him (639 – 709).

Yet, Bede is a logical starting point for a survey of British Literature.

His Ecclesiastical History remains the most important historical source of information about the Anglo-Saxons and their encounter with Roman Christianity. This same work also includes the earliest known English poem, “Caedmon’s Hymn.”

It is probable that among his many other writings, Bede translated from Latin to Anglo-Saxon the ancient Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the beginning chapters of the Gospel of John.

Bede himself wrote much sacred verse ( songs to Christ) in Old English.




Bede’s Ecclesiastical History is the best introduction to the spiritual beliefs and the social and political worldview of the Old English Period (450 -1100),

It clearly displays the sad hopelessness of Paganism and the virtues of Christian truth.

Many of its passages have a similar pathos to the vivid descriptions of Beowulf .

Bede the Venerable Bede the Venerable




PRAYER OF THE PRAYER OF THE VENERABLE BEDE.VENERABLE BEDE.

I Pray you, good Jesus,that as you have given me the graceto drink in with joy the Word that gives knowledge of you,so in your goodness you will grant me to come at length to yourself,the source of all wisdom,to stand before your face forever.Amen.

Bede the VenerableBede the VenerableBritish Literature (12th)


Bede’s Lifetime Career Bede’s Lifetime Career as a Christian Monk and as a Christian Monk and Scholar :Scholar :

He produced over sixty He produced over sixty works in: works in:

(1)(1) TheologyTheology

(2)(2) HistoryHistory

(3)(3) ChronologyChronology

(4)(4) PoetryPoetry

(5)(5) BiographyBiography



Bede As A Theologian :Bede As A Theologian :

Bede's wrote several commentaries on the Bible. Bede's wrote several commentaries on the Bible. Frequently, like other early medieval thinkers he Frequently, like other early medieval thinkers he interpreted the Bible allegorically rather than interpreted the Bible allegorically rather than literally. He also applied criticism and tried to solve literally. He also applied criticism and tried to solve discrepancies. His solutions were extremely discrepancies. His solutions were extremely popular in the early medieval period, being copied popular in the early medieval period, being copied and spread – along with Bede's reputation – widely and spread – along with Bede's reputation – widely across the monasteries of Europe. This dispersion across the monasteries of Europe. This dispersion was helped by the school of Archbishop Egbert of was helped by the school of Archbishop Egbert of York, one of Bede's pupils, and later by a student York, one of Bede's pupils, and later by a student of this school, Alcuin, who became head of of this school, Alcuin, who became head of Charlemagne's palace school. Charlemagne's palace school.



Bede As A Chronologist:Bede As A Chronologist:

Bede's two chronological works - Bede's two chronological works - De temporibusDe temporibus (On Times) and (On Times) and De temporum rationeDe temporum ratione (On the (On the Reckoning of Time) were concerned with Reckoning of Time) were concerned with establishing the dates of Easter. Along with his establishing the dates of Easter. Along with his histories, these still affect the modern style of histories, these still affect the modern style of dating: when equating the number of the year dating: when equating the number of the year with the year of Jesus Christ's life, Bede invented with the year of Jesus Christ's life, Bede invented the use of A.D., 'The Year Of Our Lord'. In stark the use of A.D., 'The Year Of Our Lord'. In stark contrast to 'dark age' cliches, Bede also knew contrast to 'dark age' cliches, Bede also knew the world was round, the moon affected tides the world was round, the moon affected tides and appreciated observational science.and appreciated observational science.




Bede As A Christian Historian: Bede As A Christian Historian:

Shortly before his death in 731 B.C. , Bede completed the Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, the Ecclesiastical History of the English People. This account of British history looks at all the main events between the landings of Julius Caesar in 55/54 BC and St. Augustine in 597 AD. In time it became the key source on the Christianity of Britain, a mixture of sophisticated historiography and religious matters containing details simply not found elsewhere (such as the lives of the British saints –hagiography). As such, it now overshadows his other historical, indeed all his other works. His fame indeed rests primarily on it.

Bede the VenerableBritish Literature (12th)

Unit I – The Old English PeriodMedieval York Modern York,

(U.K.)



Medieval Lindisfarne

Modern Modern NewcastleNewcastle



The Death of Bede (Anglo-Saxon Christian Scholar)

Bede died in 735 and was Bede died in 735 and was buried at Jarrow before being buried at Jarrow before being re-buried inside Durham re-buried inside Durham Cathedral. He was already Cathedral. He was already renowned among his peers, renowned among his peers, being described by a Bishop being described by a Bishop Boniface as having "shone Boniface as having "shone forth as a lantern in the world forth as a lantern in the world by his scriptural commentary“.by his scriptural commentary“.Today is now regarded as the Today is now regarded as the greatest and most multi-greatest and most multi-talented scholar of the early talented scholar of the early medieval era, perhaps of the medieval era, perhaps of the entire medieval era. Bede was entire medieval era. Bede was sainted in 1899. We don't sainted in 1899. We don't know how, or exactly when, he know how, or exactly when, he acquired the accolade acquired the accolade 'venerable’ but assume that he 'venerable’ but assume that he did after his death.did after his death.



The Lindisfarne GospelsThe Lindisfarne Gospels(Medieval Copies of the Gospels -7(Medieval Copies of the Gospels -7thth

Century)Century)



Typical Quotes Typical Quotes

from Bede : from Bede :

““It has always It has always been my delight to been my delight to learn or to teach learn or to teach or to write”or to write”

"I have made it my "I have made it my business, for my business, for my own benefit and that own benefit and that of my brothers, to of my brothers, to make brief extracts make brief extracts from the works of from the works of the venerable the venerable fathers on the holy fathers on the holy scriptures, or to add scriptures, or to add notes of my own to notes of my own to clarify their sense clarify their sense and interpretation". and interpretation".



Brief Introduction to :

The Ecclesiastical History of the English NationLatin Title : Historia Historia Ecclesiatica Gentis Ecclesiatica Gentis AnglorumAnglorum

Bede’s most famous workBede’s most famous workMainly concerned with the Mainly concerned with the growth of Christianity in growth of Christianity in EnglandEngland

Considered the most Considered the most valuable source for early valuable source for early English historyEnglish history

Completed in ~731, Bede age Completed in ~731, Bede age 6060

Written in LatinWritten in LatinTranslated into OE by King Translated into OE by King Alfred in the 9Alfred in the 9thth century as century as part of a greater educational part of a greater educational reform in Englandreform in England



Folio 3v from the Folio 3v from the St. Petersburg St. Petersburg Manuscript of Manuscript of Bede’s Bede’s HistoriaHistoria ecclesiastica ecclesiastica gentisgentis Anglorum. Anglorum.

(This is also known as (This is also known as Manuscript “L” which was Manuscript “L” which was copied from Bede’s copied from Bede’s original by four scribes at original by four scribes at Wearmouth or Jarrow Wearmouth or Jarrow abbies ca. 747 A.D.abbies ca. 747 A.D.

Bede the VenerableBede the VenerableBritish Literature (12th) Unit I – The Old English Period

““ Bede's best-known work is the Bede's best-known work is the Historia ecclesiastica gentis AnglorumHistoria ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, or , or An An Ecclesiastical History of the English PeopleEcclesiastical History of the English People. Completed in about 731, the first of the . Completed in about 731, the first of the five books begins with some geographical background, and then sketches the history five books begins with some geographical background, and then sketches the history of England, beginning with invasion in 55 B.C.of England, beginning with invasion in 55 B.C. A brief account of Christianity in Roman A brief account of Christianity in Roman Britain, including the martyrdom of Britain, including the martyrdom of St Alban, is followed by the story of , is followed by the story of Augustine's 's mission to England in 597, which brought Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons.mission to England in 597, which brought Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons. [[ The second The second book begins with the death of book begins with the death of Gregory the Great in 604, and follows the further progress in 604, and follows the further progress of Christianity in Kent and the first attempts to evangelize Northumbria. These ended of Christianity in Kent and the first attempts to evangelize Northumbria. These ended in disaster when in disaster when Penda, the pagan king of Mercia, killed the newly Christian , the pagan king of Mercia, killed the newly Christian Edwin of Northumbria at the at the Battle of Hatfield Chase in about 632. The setback was in about 632. The setback was temporary, and the third book recounts the growth of Christianity in Northumbria temporary, and the third book recounts the growth of Christianity in Northumbria under kings under kings Oswald of Northumbria and and Oswy. The climax of the third book is the account . The climax of the third book is the account of the of the Council of Whitby, traditionally seen as a major turning point in English history., traditionally seen as a major turning point in English history.

The fourth book begins with the consecration of The fourth book begins with the consecration of Theodore as as Archbishop of Canterbury, , and recounts and recounts Wilfrid's efforts to bring Christianity to the 's efforts to bring Christianity to the kingdom of Sussex. The fifth . The fifth book brings the story up to Bede's day, and includes an account of missionary work in book brings the story up to Bede's day, and includes an account of missionary work in Frisia, and of the conflict with the Frisia, and of the conflict with the British church over the correct dating of Easter. over the correct dating of Easter. Bede Bede wrote a preface for the work, in which he dedicates it to wrote a preface for the work, in which he dedicates it to Ceolwulf, king of , king of Northumbria. The preface mentions that Ceolwulf received an earlier draft of the book; Northumbria. The preface mentions that Ceolwulf received an earlier draft of the book; presumably Ceolwulf knew enough Latin to understand it, and he may even have been presumably Ceolwulf knew enough Latin to understand it, and he may even have been able to read it.able to read it. The preface makes it clear that Ceolwulf had requested the earlier The preface makes it clear that Ceolwulf had requested the earlier copy, and Bede had asked for Ceolwulf's approval; this correspondence with the king copy, and Bede had asked for Ceolwulf's approval; this correspondence with the king indicates that Bede's monastery had excellent connections among the Northumbrian indicates that Bede's monastery had excellent connections among the Northumbrian nobility. ” nobility. ”

from Introduction to an article on Bede’s writings in from Introduction to an article on Bede’s writings in Wikipedia.Wikipedia.



There are basically five parts to Bede’s great work (magnum opus):

Part 1: Description of Britain. Part 1: Description of Britain. Invasion of Julius Caesar (603)Invasion of Julius Caesar (603)

Part 2: Death of Gregory the Part 2: Death of Gregory the Great, Death of Edwin and Great, Death of Edwin and retirement of Paulinusretirement of Paulinus

Part 3: Concerning Oswald, Part 3: Concerning Oswald, Aidan, Fursey, Cedd and Aidan, Fursey, Cedd and Wilfred (664) Wilfred (664)

Part 4: Death of Deusdedit Part 4: Death of Deusdedit and the ascension of and the ascension of Theodore with abbot HadrianTheodore with abbot Hadrian

Part 5: Condition of Britain in Part 5: Condition of Britain in 731 and Bede’s assorted 731 and Bede’s assorted worksworks



Contributions to Contributions to History History Cited other works and made Cited other works and made references to other earlier references to other earlier writers: a historical precedentwriters: a historical precedent

Orosius, Gildas,Prosper of Orosius, Gildas,Prosper of AquitaneAquitane

The term anno Domini (AD, “in The term anno Domini (AD, “in the year of our lord”) is coined the year of our lord”) is coined by Dionesius in 525by Dionesius in 525Frequent usage of “Frequent usage of “anno ab anno ab incarnatione Dominiincarnatione Domini” (in the ” (in the year of the incarnation of the year of the incarnation of the Lord) contributed heavily to the Lord) contributed heavily to the adoption of the AD standard, adoption of the AD standard, although he never abbreviatedalthough he never abbreviated. .

Contributions to Contributions to History History Was one of the first to Was one of the first to reference time as BC reference time as BC “ante “ante incarnationis dominicae incarnationis dominicae tem-pus” tem-pus” (Before the (Before the incarnation of the Lord). incarnation of the Lord).

The notion of BC used only The notion of BC used only sporadically in the Middle Agessporadically in the Middle Ages

Resurfaces in extensive usage Resurfaces in extensive usage in the 15in the 15thth century by a century by a Cathusian monk named Werner Cathusian monk named Werner Rolevinck in Rolevinck in Fasciculus Fasciculus TemporumTemporum


Note: Bede’s “ Death Note: Bede’s “ Death Song” :Song” : ((Epistola Cuthberti de obitu Epistola Cuthberti de obitu BedaeBedae) )

Attributed to Bede and Attributed to Bede and transcribed by his student transcribed by his student CuthbertCuthbert

““And in our own And in our own language,—for he was language,—for he was familiar with English familiar with English poetry,—speaking of the poetry,—speaking of the soul’s dread departure soul’s dread departure from the body.” –Cuthbert from the body.” –Cuthbert on Bede’s poem on Bede’s poem

Facing that enforcedFacing that enforced journey, no man can journey, no man can be be

More prudent than he More prudent than he has good call to be, has good call to be,

If he consider, before If he consider, before his going hence, his going hence,

What for his spirit of What for his spirit of good hap or of evil good hap or of evil

After his day of death After his day of death shall be determined. shall be determined.



In Old English, it looked like In Old English, it looked like this: this:

Fore ðæm nedfere nænig Fore ðæm nedfere nænig wiorðe wiorðe

ðonc snottora ðon him ðearf ðonc snottora ðon him ðearf siæ siæ

to ymbhycgenne ær his to ymbhycgenne ær his hinionge hinionge

hwæt his gastæ godes oððe hwæt his gastæ godes oððe yfles yfles

æfter deað dæge doemed æfter deað dæge doemed wiorðe.: wiorðe.:

Old English is Old English is highly inflectional highly inflectional and its grammar is and its grammar is a blend of Germanic a blend of Germanic syntax and Latin syntax and Latin sentence patterns. sentence patterns. It is also very It is also very difficult to difficult to pronounce if you try pronounce if you try to read fast !!! (JR)to read fast !!! (JR)



BibliographyBibliography : Primary & Secondary Sources: : Primary & Secondary Sources:

Bede. Bede. The Ecclesiastical History of the English People The Ecclesiastical History of the English People . Edited by . Edited by Prof. Judith Prof. Judith McClure and Roger Collins .Oxford: Oxford University McClure and Roger Collins .Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1994.Press, 1994.

Bede. Bede. Ecclesiastical History of the English Church and People. Ecclesiastical History of the English Church and People. Translated by Leo Sherley-Price, revised R. E. Latham, ed. D. H. Farmer. London, U.K.: Penguin Books, 1968.

Bede. Bede. Bede, The Reckoning of Time. Bede, The Reckoning of Time. Faith Wallis, trans. Faith Wallis, trans. Liverpool, U.K. Liverpool, U.K. Liverpool University Press, 2004.Liverpool University Press, 2004.

Swanton, Michael J., trans. Swanton, Michael J., trans. The Anglo-Saxon ChronicleThe Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. New York . New York and London:and London:

Routledge Press, 1998.Routledge Press, 1998.

Blair, Peter Hunter. Blair, Peter Hunter. The World of Bede The World of Bede (Cambridge, U.K.: (Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Cambridge University Press, 1990. Reprint of 1970 edition). Press, 1990. Reprint of 1970 edition).

Brown, George Hardin. Brown, George Hardin. Bede, the VenerableBede, the Venerable.. Boston, MA.: Boston, MA.: Twayne PublishingTwayne Publishing House, 1987. House, 1987.


BibliographyBibliography : Primary & Secondary Sources: : Primary & Secondary Sources:

Campbell, J. “ Bede (673/4 – 735). Campbell, J. “ Bede (673/4 – 735). Oxford Dictionary of National Oxford Dictionary of National BiographyBiography (revised May 2008 ed.). Oxford University Press, 2004. (revised May 2008 ed.). Oxford University Press, 2004. http://www.oxford dnb.com/view/ article/1922. .

Farmer, David Hugh. Farmer, David Hugh. The Oxford Dictionary of Saints. The Oxford Dictionary of Saints. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford, U.K.: Oxford UniversityOxford University Press, 1978. Press, 1978.

Goffart, Walter A. Goffart, Walter A. The Narrators of Barbarian HistoryThe Narrators of Barbarian History (550-800 A.D.): (550-800 A.D.): Jordanes, Gregory Jordanes, Gregory of Tours, Bede, and Paul the Deacon. of Tours, Bede, and Paul the Deacon. Princeton, Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1988. N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1988.

Mayr-Harting, Henry. Mayr-Harting, Henry. The Coming of Christianity to Anglo-Saxon The Coming of Christianity to Anglo-Saxon England. England. UniversityUniversity Park, PA.: Pennsylvania State University Press, Park, PA.: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1991.1991.

Thompson, A. Hamilton. Thompson, A. Hamilton. Bede: His Life, Times and Writings: Essays in Bede: His Life, Times and Writings: Essays in Com-Com- memoration of the Twelfth Century of His Death. memoration of the Twelfth Century of His Death. Oxford: Oxford Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1969.University Press, 1969.

Wright, J. Robert. Wright, J. Robert. A Companion to Bede: A Reader’s Commentary on The A Companion to Bede: A Reader’s Commentary on The EcclesiasticalEcclesiastical History of the English People. History of the English People. Grand Rapids, MI.: Grand Rapids, MI.: Eerdmans, 2008.Eerdmans, 2008.


Internet Sources:Internet Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bede http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historia_ecclesiastica_gentis_Anglorum http://orthodoxwiki.org/Bede http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/bede-book1.html http://www.bedesworld.co.uk/academic-bede.php http://www.bartleby.com/211/0506.html http://web.archive.org/web/20020611051718/www.cohums.ohio- state.edu/ history/people/crisp.23/Hymns.html Cambridge Encyclopedia of The English Language http://schools-wikipedia.org/wp/b/Bede.htm http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/saints/bede_historian.htm

Bede the VenerableBritish Literature (12th)


Bede the venerable

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