The Venerable Bede was an English monk, scholar, and historian who lived in the early Middle Ages. He was born around 672-673 AD in the Kingdom of Northumbria, which is now northern England. Bede spent his entire life at the monasteries of Wearmouth and Jarrow, where he dedicated himself to studying Scripture and writing influential works of history, theology, and science. He is best known for his book Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum (The Ecclesiastical History of the English People), a foundational text for understanding early English history and the arrival of Christianity in Britain.
Bede’s early life is not well documented, but we know he entered the monastery at Wearmouth around age 7 and was ordained as a deacon at 19 and as a priest at 30. He never traveled far from the monasteries where he lived and worked his entire life. The Venerable Bede was the first to date events using the Anno Domini (AD) system we use today, establishing the practice of numbering years from Christ’s birth. His careful historical methods and critical use of sources set a standard for medieval historiography.
Bede’s greatest achievement was The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, completed in 731 AD when he was around 59 years old. This work chronicled the history of Britain, beginning with Julius Caesar’s invasions in 55 and 54 BC and concluding in the year 731 AD. Bede consulted many texts and interviewed eyewitnesses to create an authoritative account of the lands and peoples of Britain, with a particular focus on the coming of Christianity. The book was immediately recognized as a masterful work of history and was translated into many languages. It remains our best source of information about Anglo-Saxon England.
In addition to history, Bede made important contributions to biblical studies, language arts, science, and theology. He authored commentaries on books of the Bible, study guides for prayer and meditation, educational texts on grammar and natural phenomena, and theological works on topics like time and the taxonomy of Creation. He was given the name Venerable for his piety and scholarly achievements. The Venerable Bede died on May 26, 735 AD, a renowned and beloved monk, historian, and Doctor of the Church. He is buried at Jarrow monastery and revered as one of the most learned men of the early Middle Ages.
Bede gives us an enormous amount of information about Christianity’s spread throughout Britain in his major work, the Ecclesiastical History. The book covers a span of over 1,000 years and provides a wealth of knowledge about how the faith took root in England through the tireless work of monks, abbots, bishops, and saints.
Bede documents the missionary efforts of men like Augustine and Paulinus, who were sent by Pope Gregory to convert the Anglo-Saxons beginning at the end of the 6th century. Augustine met with King Æthelberht of Kent, who allowed him to preach freely and then converted to Christianity himself. Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury. Paulinus similarly converted King Edwin of Northumbria and the nobles and people of his kingdom. Bede praises these brave missionaries for their successful efforts bringing Christianity from Rome to pagan English lands.
The Ecclesiastical History also records the synods and councils at which crucial questions of church doctrine and organization were debated by learned men of the church. Bede discusses the determination of proper observances for Easter and the monastic tonsure at the Synod of Whitby in 664 AD. Other church leaders mentioned are Archbishop Theodore, who organized the English church, and Wilfrid, an esteemed bishop involved in many of the synods that established unity of church practices. Bede clearly admired the devotion and intellect these men brought to the service of the church.
Additionally, Bede documents the lives of influential abbots, abbesses, and saints of the early Anglo-Saxon church. He writes admirably about the piety and good works of figures like St. Hilda of Whitby, St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, St Aidan, and St. Æthelthryth. He extols bishops like John of Beverley who were known for performing miracles, giving alms to the poor, and exemplifying Christian virtues through their lives of devotion. Bede esteemed the saints, martyrs and clergy who set a pattern of holiness and service for others to follow.
In recounting the expansion of Christianity from Kent to Northumbria and beyond, Bede records in detail the conversion of kings and kingdoms to the Christian faith. This might be warfare and bloodshed, or diplomatic alliances and royal marriages that brought the Anglo-Saxons into the fold of Christendom. But he makes it clear that the brave efforts of missionaries and monks were the driving force that brought Christianity to dominate Britain over the pagan religions. The Ecclesiastical History remains our most complete account of the conversion of England to Christianity in the 600s and the men of faith who made it happen.
Bede includes in his Ecclesiastical History many encouraging stories and accounts that reveal important Christian truths. These stories give us insight into how Anglo-Saxon Christians lived out their faith in Bede’s time. One significant example is the inspiring life story of St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, a monk, hermit and later Bishop of Lindisfarne, whose piety and miracles Bede describes in detail (Book 4, chapters 27-32). From his boyhood vision of angels receiving a departing saint’s soul, to the birds tending lovingly to his dying body, Cuthbert’s life illustrates godly virtues like humility, charity, and care for God’s creation. Bede presents Cuthbert as a model monk devoted to ceaseless prayer, fasting, and ministry who demonstrates the Christian life excellently lived.
Another meaningful account is Bede’s story of Cædmon, an illiterate cowherd miraculously gifted the ability to compose beautiful religious poetry (Book 4, chapter 24). Cædmon’s sudden inspiration to sing verses on the creation of the world and other scriptural events shows Christianity speaking powerfully through unexpected voices. The story affirms how God equips the humble and lowly for His work. Bede also shares inspiring conversion stories like King Edwin’s joyous baptism on Easter (Book 2, chapter 14), indicating the transformative spiritual power the gospel holds for all who believe. Such uplifting stories reinforce key Christian teachings and encourage readers in the faith.
Bede also highlights in his Ecclesiastical History the courageous missionary work of Aidan, Chad and other monks who brought Christianity to pagan lands. In one account, Aidan confronts the ill-fated King Oswine, who has ordered the death of a loyal soldier. Bede shares Oswine’s penitent reaction and Aidan’s godly counsel, commenting: “By the humility and charity of his reproof the holy man… saved the king and prince from the bondage of Satan” (Book 3, chapter 14). Stories like this of saints challenging earthly rulers and calling them to repentance according to God’s standards illustrate timeless Christian virtues at work transforming society.
Throughout his book, Bede shows how faith in Christ changed not just individual lives but the entire cultural landscape in Britain. He documents the spread of monasteries under abbots like Benedict Biscop, founded as bases for prayer, learning and hospitality to the needy. He admires kings like Oswald and Oswiu who ruled by Christian principles of charity, humility and righteousness. Beyond a chronicle of dates and events, Bede’s Ecclesiastical History reveals a society profoundly altered by the godly influence of Christian preachers, teachers, saints and kings.
Bede’s Ecclesiastical History concludes in the year 731 AD when he was finishing the work at his monastery. But the Venerable Bede did not confine himself merely to recording past events. He spent his final years until 735 AD continuing in diligent study, devotion and writing many further works to aid the church. As death approached, this humble monk showed no fear but declared, “It is time for me to return to Him who formed me from nothing when I had no existence.” Bede died after final prayers and singing on Ascension Day, received by the angels he so often wrote about, joining the saints before God’s throne he faithfully served (Cuthbert’s letter on Bede’s death).
In his letter on Bede’s passing, Cuthbert relates how this scholarly saint spent his last days and hours tirelessly praising God through his writings. Though renowned across Britain and Europe for his knowledge, Bede kept no possessions but gave all to the poor. Cuthbert writes, “He alone seemed to be ignorant of the greatness of his own knowledge and learning.” For all his intellectual gifts, Bede kept the simple faith and love of Christ that readers admire in his works. This humble monk sought no riches or earthly reward, but gave all his labors to the glory of God.
The Venerable Bede’s enduring legacy lies in his tireless scholarship in service to the church. He wrote over 60 books on history, theology and science, providing an immense wealth of instruction for generations to come. His writings were so valued that monasteries and cathedrals across Britain urged their monks to copy them through the Middle Ages. Bede composed commentaries and homilies to help preachers share the Gospel. He translated the Apostles’ Creed and Lord’s Prayer into Anglo-Saxon to aid new converts. His scientific work On the Nature of Things became a medieval textbook. Bede’s brilliant mind and godly life advanced learning of all kinds across Christendom.
But above all, Bede sought to strengthen faith in Christ by teaching Scripture and recording his people’s progress as Christians. His Ecclesiastical History remains a beloved spiritual heritage of the English church. Rowan Williams declares, “Bede’s life was dedicated to the increase of wisdom, knowledge and holiness in the company of others.” This wise scholar continues to inspire Christians across the centuries through his inexhaustible faith expressed in his writings. For his service to God’s people through history, doctrine and worship, the church honors the Venerable Bede to this day.