Bede, the Venerable

ca. 673-735

British historian

Bede was sent to a monastery at the age of seven (see Oblates) and ordained a priest aged 30. He is most famous for his Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum, a history of the conversion of Britain, recognized as the first ecclesiastical history of Britain. He was one of the first historians to try to verify facts instead of uncritically repeating legends and fables, and is known as the father of English history. His shrine is at Jarrow.

References

Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, edited by F.L. Cross. (London: Oxford University Press, 1957)
Dictionary of National Biography
Encyclopedia of Religion. 16 vols. (New York: Macmillan, 1987)
St. Bede: A Tribute (735-1985). (St. Bedes Press, 1985)
Browne, G.F. The Venerable Bede, His Life and Writings. (Philadelphia: R. West, 1978) (Studies in Church History)