May 26, 735 - Bede, First Major English Historian, Dies

The Venerable Bede (c. 673–735) writing. Medieval manuscript illustration. Public domain. Wikimedia Commons.

Living in the monastery of Monkwearmouth-Jarrow Abbey, one of the most important learning centers in early medieval England, Bede, later called Venerable Bede, was the first major historian of England. His work, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, is the primary source for early English history. He helped to popularize the use of the Anno Domini (AD) dating system and was a biblical scholar, theologian, and a linguist. Writing several Bible commentaries, he was declared a Doctor of the Church by the Roman Catholic Church. He is well known for his careful use of sources and documentation, which was unusual for his time. In his final days, he reportedly translated the Gospel of John into Old English so that others may understand Scripture. On May 26, 735, his pupils surrounded him on his deathbed as he passed away.

Bede’s life shows the importance of preserving history and learning within the church. Like Bede, modern Christians can also contribute to education and help in making the Bible accessible to others. Oftentimes, it is easy to feel as if quiet roles are less impactful, but Bede’s legacy reveals that even seemingly unseen roles can have a lasting global impact.