Bede (d. 735)
Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum
[Monkwearmouth Jarrow, mid-eighth century]

The earliest surviving account of English history was composed by Bede, a monk at the twin monastery of Monkwearmouth Jarrow in Northumberland. This copy, known as the Moore Bede, was written at the monastery within a decade or two of Bede’s death. Copies of the Historia were in demand throughout Europe; a short additional text on the final leaf which can be dated ca 800 suggests that this manuscript was sent to the court of Charlemagne at Aachen, perhaps at the request of his chancellor, Alcuin of York. The opening here discusses the founding of Barking Abbey by St Eorcenwold in ca 666.

MS Kk.5.16, ff. 76v–77r (Royal Library)