Ecclesiastical History of the English People

Bede’s history of the English church and, unavoidably, of the English kingdoms — from Caesar’s landings through the Roman mission, the conversion of Northumbria, and the Synod of Whitby, up to his own lifetime. It is the founding narrative of English history and one of the earliest works to argue from named sources and documents, which Bede lists in his preface. It is also the book that put Anno Domini dating into general use. A curriculum meant to form citizens puts it near the start of the history shelf because it is where the practice of writing history from evidence begins in English.

Context: Bede (c. 673-735) spent almost his whole life in the monastery of Monkwearmouth-Jarrow in Northumbria and was later named a Doctor of the Church. Modern editions are translations from his Latin.

Connections

• A Library to Build Great Americans — the 468-title curriculum this card came from; listed in the Ages 13-99+ band under History.
• Bede — the author.
• Christianity — the institution at the centre of the account.
• History — the discipline, and how this book practises it.
• Religion — the frame the history is written in.