Bede, St

Bede, St (672/3–735). First English historian, author of the Ecclesiastical History of the English People (c.731). Deacon, priest, and monk, Bede is generally associated with Jarrow, but probably lived mostly in the monastery of Monkwearmouth, which he entered in 679/80. He travelled a little to Lindisfarne and York.

Bede was particularly interested in miracles and in the calculation of dates and time. Some of his scientific scholarship was advanced and his historical influence profound. He was the first systematically to use the anno domini dating system and his idealized portrait of the 7th‐cent. church inspired King Alfred and Bishop Æthelwold, who attempted its re‐creation. Modern scholars depend heavily upon him.

In historical writing Bede was influenced by the 4th‐cent. Eusebius of Caesarea, but the greatest non‐biblical influence upon him was probably Pope Gregory I. His purposes were varied. The prime one was to facilitate the salvation of his people. The Ecclesiastical History's parade of exemplars, like Aidan, Cuthbert, and Oswald, entailed much selection. To Bede's imposition of order on a more complex past, his so‐called list of bretwaldas can be related. He may have felt that a ‘national’ history would encourage ‘national’ unity. He may have been offering a Christian alternative to secular sagas.

Bede was in touch with highly placed people (including King Ceolwulf, Acca,bishop of Hexham, and Egbert). Yet lack of experience outside his monastery may have made him so idealistic as to be considered isolated. But the quarrels generated by Wilfrid may have inspired his presentation of an alternative version of 7th‐cent. ecclesiastical history to that offered in Wilfrid's biography.

Well written and researched, Bede's works are subtle and complex. Some attempt was made to promote his cult, but Viking raids caused Monkwear mouth and Jarrow to be abandoned c.800. Remains claimed to be Bede's were moved in the 11th cent. to Durham cathedral.