Bede in later Anglo-Saxon England
Sharon M. Rowley
“'It is not hard. Take your pen and mend it, then write fast.'” - Bede / The epigraph comes from a story related by Bede's student, Cuthbert, in letter he wrote to fellow student describing their teacher's death. In the story, young Wilberht asks Bede, who on his deathbed, if it would be too hard finish dictating book writing. replies as above. According finishes task before peaceful Cuthbert's letter, which includes short English poem known 'Bede's Death Song', was widely circulated England continent early Middle Ages; survives over forty manuscripts ninth twelfth centuries. Whether recounts truth about dying words actions imponderable, but its circulation contains reveal how students revered him. His students, including Cuthbert Egbert (archbishop of York, 735-66), played crucial role popularizing preserving writings. They spread books, reputation teaching style into later Anglo-Saxon period. Egbert's Alcuin (c. 735-804), abbot Tours, took many writings court Charlemagne, where they were incorporated Carolingian Reform, channel via returned England.
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