The Venerable St Bede is an important figure in Christian history, in general, and British history, in particular (see the BBC’s brief biographical sketch:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/bede_st.shtml).  So, I was excited to accompany Charlie on a trip to Bede’s World in Jarrow, a place dedicated to introducing St Bede, his thought, and his world.  Charlie’s class has been doing a literacy unit on Beowulf, and a short rehearsal and reenactment of the story was a part of the program.  One of the assistants to the main staff person responsible for our group engaged me in a conversation regarding the dating of Beowulf, arguing that the earliest version is from the eleventh century.  This, of course, would make a comparison of Beowulf with the time of Bede anachronistic.  Leave it to me get into this sort of conversation and become conflicted about the premise of the whole trip.  I’ll have to contact my buddy, medievalist Walker Cosgrove, about this to set my mind at ease.  At any rate, we had a great time, and I found the presentation of Bede and his world at this museum very well done.  In my limited experience, the English certainly know how to do museums!  See below for a few pictures from our trip.

Discussion of eighth century uncial copy of the Bible called “Codex Amiatinus”

Practicing our uncials

Reenacting Beowulf