Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation

by Bede

  This letter having been read in the presence of King Naitan, and many more of the most learned men, and carefully interpreted into his own language by those who could understand it, he is said to have much rejoiced at the exhortation; inasmuch that, rising from among his great men that sat about him, he knelt on the ground, giving thanks to God that he had been found worthy to receive such a present from the land of the English; and, said he, "I knew indeed before, that this was the true celebration of Easter, but now I so fully know the reason for observing of this time, that I seem convinced that I knew little of it before. Therefore I publicly declare and protest to you that are here present, that I will for ever continually observe this time of Easter, with all my nation; and I do decree that this tonsure, which we have heard is most reasonable, shall be received by all the clergy in my kingdom." Accordingly he immediately performed by his regal authority what he had said. For the circles or revolutions of nineteen years were presently, by public command, sent throughout all the provinces of the Picts to be transcribed, learned and observed, the erroneous revolutions of eighty- four years being everywhere suppressed. All the ministers of the altar and monks had the crown shorn, and the nation thus reformed, rejoiced, as being newly put under the direction of Peter, the most blessed prince of the apostles, and secure under his protection.

  CHAPTER XXII

  THE MONKS OF HII, AND THE MONASTERIES SUBJECT TO THEM, BEGIN TO CELEBRATE THE CANONICAL EASTER AT THE PREACHING OF EGBERT. [A.D. 716.]

  NOT long after, those monks also of the Scottish nation, who lived in the isle of Hii, with the other monasteries that were subject to them, were by the assistance of our Lord brought to the canonical observation of Easter, and the right mode of tonsure. For in the year after the incarnation of our Lord 716, when Osred was slain, and Coenred took upon him the government of the kingdom of the Northumbrians, the holy father and priest, Egbert, beloved of God, and worthy to be named with all honor, whom we have often mentioned before, coming among them, was joyfully and honorably received. Being a most agreeable teacher, and devout in practicing those things which he taught, and being willingly heard by all, he, by his pious and frequent exhortations, converted them from that inveterate tradition of their ancestors, of whom may be said those words of the apostle, "That they had the zeal of God, but not according to knowledge." He taught them to perform the principal solemnity after the catholic and apostolic manner, as has been said, under the figure of a perpetual circle; which appears to have been accomplished by a wonderful dispensation of the Divine goodness; to the end, that the same nation which had willingly, and without envy, communicated to the English people the knowledge of the true Deity, should afterwards, by means of the English nation, be brought where they were defective to the true rule of life. Even as, on the contrary, the Britons, who would not acquaint the English with the knowledge of the Christian faith, now, when the English people enjoy the true faith, and are thoroughly instructed in its rules, continue inveterate in their errors, expose their heads without a crown, and keep the solemnity of Christ without the society of the Church.

  The monks of Hii, by the instruction of Egbert, adopted the catholic rites, under Abbot Dunchad, about eighty years after they had sent Aidan to preach to the English nation. This man of God, Egbert, remained thirteen years in the aforesaid island, which he had thus consecrated again to Christ, by kindling in it a new ray of Divine grace, and restoring it to the unity of ecclesiastical discipline. In the year of our Lord's incarnation 729, in which the Easter of our Lord was celebrated on the 24th of April, he performed the solemnity of the mass, in memory of the same resurrection of our Lord, and dying that same day, thus finished, or rather never ceases to celebrate, with our Lord, the apostles, and the other citizens of heaven, that greatest festival, which he had begun with the brethren, whom he had converted to the unity of grace. But it was a wonderful dispensation of the Divine Providence, that the venerable man not only passed out of this world to the Father, in Easter, but also when Easter was celebrated on that day, on which it had never been wont to be kept in those parts. The brethren rejoiced in the certain and catholic knowledge of the time of Easter, and rejoiced in the protection of their father, departed to our Lord, by whom they had been converted. He also congratulated his being so long continued in the flesh till he saw his followers admit, and celebrate with him, that as Easter day which they had ever before avoided. Thus the most reverend father being assured of their standing corrected, rejoiced to see the day of our Lord, and he saw it and was glad.

  CHAPTER XXIII

  OF THE PRESENT STATE OF THE ENGLISH NATION, OR OF ALL BRITAIN. [A.D. 725-731.]

  IN the year of our Lord's incarnation 725, being the seventh year of Osric, king of the Northumbrians, who succeeded Coenred, Wictred, the son of Egbert, king of Kent, died on the 23rd of April, and left his three sons, Ethelbert, Eadbert, and Alric, heirs of that kingdom, which he had governed thirty-four years and a half. The next year died Tobias, bishop of the church of Rochester, a most learned man, as has been said before; for he was disciple to those teachers of blessed memory, Theodore, the archbishop, and Abbot Hadrian, by which means, as we have before observed, besides his erudition in ecclesiastical and general literature, he learned both the Greek and Latin tongues to such perfection, that they were as well known and familiar to him as his native language. He was buried in the porch of St. Paul the Apostle, which he had built within the church of St. Andrew for his own place of burial. After him Aldwuif took upon him the office of bishop, having been consecrated by Archbishop Bertwald.

  In the year of our Lord's incarnation 729, two comets appeared about the sun, to the great terror of the beholders. One of them went before the rising sun in the morning, the other followed him when he set at night, as it were presaging much destruction to the east and west; one was the forerunner of the day, and the other of the night, to signify that mortals were threatened with calamities at both times. They carried their flaming tail towards the north, as it were ready to set the world on fire. They appeared in January, and continued nearly a fortnight. At which time a dreadful plague of Saracens ravaged France with miserable slaughter; but they not long after in that country received the punishment due to their wickedness. In which year the holy man of God, Egbert, departed to our Lord, as has been said above, on Easter day; and immediately after Easter, that is, on the 9th of May, Osric, king of the Northumbrians, departed this life, after he had reigned eleven years, and appointed Ceolwulf, brother to Coenred, who had reigned before him, his successor; the beginning and progress of whose reign were so filled with commotions, that it cannot yet be known what is to be said concerning them, or what end they will have.

  In the year of our Lord's incarnation 731, Archbishop Bertwald died of old age, on the 9th of January, having held his see thirty-seven years, Six months and fourteen days. In his stead, the same year, Tatwine, of the province of the Mercians, was made archbishop, having been a priest in the monastery called Briudun. He was consecrated in the city of Canterbury by the venerable men, Daniel, bishop of Winchester, Ingwald of London, Aldwin of Lichfield, and Aldwulf of Rochester, on Sunday, the 10th of June, being a man renowned for religion and wisdom, and notably learned in Sacred Writ.

  Thus at present, the bishops Tatwine and Aldwulf preside in the churches of Kent; Ingwald in the province of tile East Saxons. In the province of the East Angles, Aldbert and Hadulac are bishops; in the province of the West Saxons, Daniel and Forthere are bishops; in the province of the Mercians, Aldwin. Among those people who live beyond the river Severn to the westward, Walstod is bishop; in the province of the Wiccians, Wilfrid; in the province of the Lindisfarnes, Cynebert presides: the bishopric of the Isle of Wight belongs to Daniel, bishop of Winchester. The province of the South Saxons, having now continued some years without a bishop, receives the episcopal ministry from the prelate of the West Saxons. All these provinces, and the others southward to the bank of the river Humber, with their kings, are subject to King Ethelbald.


  But in the province of the Northumbrians, where King Ceolwulf reigns, four bishops now preside: Wilfrid in the church of York, Ethelwald in that of Lindisfarne, Acca in that of Hagulstad, Pechthelm in that which is called the White House, which, from the increased number of believers, has lately become an episcopal see, and has him for its first prelate. The Picts also at this time are at peace with the English nation, and rejoice in being united in peace and truth with the whole Catholic Church. The Scots that inhabit Britain, satisfied with their own territories, meditate no hostilities against the nation of the English. The Britons, though they, for the most part, through innate hatred, are adverse to the English nation, and wrongfully, and from wicked custom, oppose the appointed Easter of the whole Catholic Church; yet, from both the Divine and human power withstanding them, can in no way prevail as they desire; for though in part they are their own masters yet elsewhere they are also brought under subjection to the English. Such being the peaceable and calm disposition of the times, many of the Northumbrians, as well of the nobility as private persons, laying aside their weapons, rather incline to dedicate both themselves and their children to the tonsure and monastic vows, than to study martial discipline. What will be the end hereof, the next age will show. This is for the present the state of all Britain; in the year since the coming of the English into Britain about 285, but in the 731st year of the incarnation of our Lord, in whose reign may the earth ever rejoice; may Britain exult in the profession of his faith; and may many islands be glad, and sing praises in honor of his holiness!

  CHAPTER XXIV

  CHRONOLOGICAL RECAPITULATION OF THE WHOLE WORK: ALSO CONCERNING THE AUTHOR HIMSELF

  I HAVE thought fit briefly to sum up those things which have been related more at large, according to the distinction of times, for the better preserving them in memory.

  In the sixtieth year before the incarnation of our Lord, Caius Julius Caesar, first of the Romans, invaded Britain, and was victorious, yet could not gain the kingdom.

  In the year from the incarnation of our Lord, 46, Claudius, second of the Romans, invading Britain, had a great part of the island surrendered to him, and added the Orkney islands to the Roman empire.

  In the year from the incarnation of our Lord, 167, Eleutherius, being made bishop at Rome, governed the Church most gloriously fifteen years. Lucius, king of Britain, writing to him, requested to be made a Christian, and succeeded in obtaining his request.

  In the year from the incarnation of our Lord, 189, Severus, being made emperor, reigned seventeen years; he enclosed Britain with a trench from sea to sea.

  In the year 381, Maximus, being made emperor ln Britain, sailed over into Gaul, and slew Gratian.

  In the year 409, Rome was crushed by the Goths, from which time Roman emperors began to reign in Britain.

  In the year 430, Palladius was sent to be the first bishop of the Scots that believed in Christ, by Pope Celestine.

  In the year 449, Martian being made emperor with Valentinian, reigned seven years; in whose time the English, being called by the Britons, came into Britain.

  In the year 538, there happened an eclipse of the sun, on the 16th of February, from the first to the third hour.

  In the year 540, an eclipse of the sun happened on the 20th of June, and the stars appeared during almost half an hour after the third hour of the day.

  In the year 547, Ida began to reign; from him the royal family of the Northumbrians derives its original; he reigned twelve years.

  In the year 565, the priest, Columba, came out of Scotland, into Britain, to instruct the Picts, and he built a monastery in the isle of Hii.

  In the year 596, Pope Gregory sent Augustine with monks into Britain, to preach the word of God to the English nation.

  In the year 597, the aforesaid teachers arrived in Britain; being about the 150th year from the coming of the English into Britain.

  In the year 6o1, Pope Gregory sent the pall into Britain, to Augustine, who was already made bishop; he sent also several ministers of the word, among whom was Paulinus.

  In the year 603, a battle was fought at Degsastane.

  In the year 604, the East Saxons received the faith of Christ, under King Sabert, and Bishop Mellitus.

  In the year 605, Gregory died.

  In the year 616, Ethelbert, king of Kent, died.

  In the year 625, the venerable Paulinus was, by Archbishop Justus, ordained bishop of the Northumbrians.

  In the year 626, Eanfleda, daughter to King Edwin, was baptized with twelve others, on Whit-Saturday.

  In the year 627, King Edwin was baptized, with his nation, at Easter.

  In the year 633, King Edwin being killed, Paulinus returned to Kent.

  In the year 640, Eadbald, king of Kent, died.

  In the year 642, King Oswald was slain.

  In the year 644, Paulinus, first bishop of York, but now of the city of Rochester, departed to our Lord.

  In the year 651, King Oswin was killed, and Bishop Aidan died.

  In the year 653, the Midland Angles, under their prince, Penda, received the mysteries of the faith.

  In the year 655, Penda was slain, and the Mercians became Christians.

  In the year 664, there happened an eclipse of the sun Earconbert, king of Kent, died; and Colman returned to the Scots; a pestilence arose; Ceadda and Wilfrid were ordained bishops of the Northumbrians.

  In the year 668, Theodore was ordained bishop.

  In the year 670, Oswy, king of the Northumbrians, died.

  In the year 673, Egbert, king of Kent, died, and a synod was held at Hertford, in the presence of King Egfrid Archbishop Theodore presiding; the synod did much good, and its decrees are contained in ten chapters.

  In the year 675, Wulfhere, king of the Mercians, dying, when he had reigned seventeen years, left the crown to his brother Ethelred.

  In the year 676, Ethelred ravaged Kent.

  In the year 678, a comet appeared; Bishop Wilfrid was driven from his see by King Fgfrid; and Bosa, Eata, and Eadhed were consecrated bishops in his stead.

  In the year 679, Elfwine was killed.

  In the year 680, a synod was held in the field called Hethfeld, concerning the Christian faith, Archbishop Theodore presiding; John, the Roman abbot, was also present. The same year also the Abbess Hilda died at Streaneshalch.

  In the year 685, Egfrid, king of the Northumbrians, was slain.

  The same year, Lothere, king of Kent, died.

  In the year 688, Caedwalla, king of the West Saxons, went to Rome from Britain.

  In the year 690, Archbishop Theodore died.

  In the year 697, Queen Ostritha was murdered by her own people, that is, the nobility of the Mercians.

  In the year 698, Berthred, the royal commander of the Northumbrians, was slain by the Picts.

  In the year 704, Etheired became a monk, after he had reigned thirty years over the nation of the Mercians, and gave up the kingdom to Coenred.

  In the year 705, Alfrid, king of the Northumbrians, died.

  In the year 709, Coenred, king of the Mercians, having reigned six years, went to Rome.

  In the year 711, Earl Bertfrid fought with the Picts.

  In the year 716, Osred, king of the Northumbrians, was killed; and Coenred, king of the Mercians, died; and Egbert, the man of God, brought the monks of Hii to observe the Catholic Easter and ecclesiastical tonsure.

  In the year 725, Withred, king of Kent, died.

  In the year 729, comets appeared; the holy Egbert departed; and Osric died.

  In the year 731, Archbishop Bertwald died.

  The same year Tatwine was consecrated ninth archbishop Canterbury, in the fifteenth year of Ethelbald, king of Kent.

  Thus much of the Ecclesiastical History of Britain, and more especially of the English nation, as far as I could learn either from the writings of the ancients, or the tradition of our ancestors, or of my own knowledge, has, with the help of God, been digested by me, Bede, the servant of God, and pr
iest of the monastery of the blessed apostles, Peter and Paul, which is at Wearmouth and Jarrow; who being born in the territory of that same monastery, was given, at seven years of age, to be educated by the most reverend Abbot Benedict, and afterwards by Ceolfrid; and spending all the remaining time of my life in that monastery, I wholly applied myself to the study of Scripture, and amidst the observance of regular discipline, and the daily care of singing in the church, I always took delight in learning, teaching, and writing. In the nineteenth year of my age, I received deacon's orders; in the thirtieth, those of the priesthood, both of them by the ministry of the most reverend Bishop John, and by the order of the Abbot Ceolfrid. From which time, till the fifty-ninth year of my age, I have made it my business, for the use of me and mine, to compile out of the works of the venerable Fathers, and to interpret and explain according to their meaning these following pieces -

  On the Beginning of Genesis, to the Nativity of Isaac and the Reprobation of Ismaal, three books.

  Of the Tabernacle and its Vessels, and of the Priestly Vestments, three books.

  On the first Part of Samuel, to the Death of Saul, four books.

  Of the Building of the Temple, of Allegorical Exposition, like the rest, two books.

  Item, on the Book of Kings, thirty Questions.

  On Solomon's Proverbs, three books.

  On the Canticles, seven books.

  On Isaiah, Daniel, the twelve Prophets, and part of Jeremiah, Distinctions of Chapters, collected out of St. Jerome's Treatise.

  On Esdras and Nehemiah, three books.

  On the Song of Habacuc, one book.

  On the Book of the blessed Father Tobias, one Book of Allegorical Exposition concerning Christ and the Church.

  Also, Chapters of Readings on Moses's Pentateuch, Joshua, and Judges.

  On the Books of Kings and Chronicles.

  On the Book of the blessed Father Job.

  On the Parables, Ecclesiastes, and Canticles.

  On the Prophets Isaiah, Esdras, and Nehemiah.