The History of English Podcast: Episode 33 – Missionaries and Manuscripts
Host: Kevin Stroud
Release Date: November 7, 2013
Podcast Description: The Spoken History of a Global Language
Introduction
In Episode 33 of The History of English Podcast, hosted by Kevin Stroud, the focus shifts to a pivotal period in the evolution of the English language: the introduction of writing through missionary work and the establishment of manuscripts. Titled "Missionaries and Manuscripts," this episode delves into how the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms transitioned from predominantly oral traditions to embracing written English, setting the foundation for the language's future development.
The Advent of English Writing
Kevin begins by connecting the origins of English writing to ancient Egypt, highlighting the significance of the alphabet's inception around 2000 BC. However, he narrows the focus to the late third and early fourth centuries AD, a time when the Roman Empire still held sway over the Mediterranean and much of Europe.
“...a devout Christian named Anthony decided to head out into the Egyptian desert to live by himself and practice his religion... [which] became the very first monastery in the deserts of Egypt.”
[Timestamp: 04:15]
This movement marked the beginning of monasticism, which would later play a crucial role in preserving and propagating written texts.
Spread of Monasticism and Christianity
As Constantine converted to Christianity and the Roman Empire began to accept the religion, monasteries proliferated, especially in the eastern Mediterranean. These institutions became centers of learning and manuscript creation, fostering literacy and the written word.
“...monasteries had been built throughout the Mediterranean, especially the eastern Mediterranean, where the eastern Roman Empire was still very strong and organized... [while] the Western Roman Empire was collapsing in Europe.”
[Timestamp: 07:30]
In Britain, the collapse of Roman authority led to a resurgence of paganism among the native Celtic populations and the influx of Germanic gods with the Anglo-Saxons. This period witnessed significant cultural and religious upheaval.
Saint Patrick and the Christianization of Ireland
Kevin narrates the compelling story of Patrick, an Irish slave who escaped captivity and embraced Christianity in Gaul. Upon his return, Patrick was appointed Bishop of Ireland in 431 AD, spearheading the conversion of Ireland to Christianity.
“Patrick carried out his mission by fusing Christianity with elements of the native Celtic culture... he is still a symbol of Ireland to this day.”
[Timestamp: 15:00]
Patrick's integration of Christian and Celtic traditions facilitated a smoother acceptance of the new religion, laying the groundwork for Ireland's extensive monastic tradition.
Irish Monasteries and Cultural Exchange
Irish monasteries remained independent from Rome due to Ireland's non-Romanized status. These institutions became hubs of learning, emphasizing Latin and Greek literacy, and producing illuminated manuscripts. Their reputation attracted scholars from across Europe, enabling cultural and intellectual exchange.
“Irish monastic schools were so highly regarded that they began to attract students from throughout Europe...”
[Timestamp: 23:45]
Notably, Saint Brendan's legendary voyages, possibly hinting at pre-Columbian transatlantic exploration, reflect the adventurous spirit fostered within these monastic communities.
Conversion of the Anglo-Saxons: Ethelbert and Bertha
The narrative transitions to the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Kent in the mid-sixth century. King Ethelbert of Kent, already aligned with the Christian Franks through his marriage to Bertha, a Frankish princess, became a central figure in the Christianization of the Anglo-Saxons.
“...Ethelbert was the most powerful Anglo Saxon king at the time, the Overlord or Bretwalda...”
[Timestamp: 35:20]
Bertha's influence was pivotal. Conditioned upon her marriage, Ethelbert allowed her to practice Christianity, leading to the establishment of the oldest Christian church in England, St. Martin's Church in Kent.
“Bertha dedicated the church to St. Martin... [Timestamp: 43:10]
Augustine’s Mission and the Birth of Written English
Pope Gregory the Great, inspired by an encounter with Anglo-Saxon slaves, orchestrated a mission to convert the Anglo-Saxons by targeting their leaders first. Augustine, a monk selected by Gregory, led this mission to Kent in 597 AD.
“...Augustine and a group of 40 monks landed on an island in Kent called Thanet.”
[Timestamp: 52:50]
Augustine's successful preaching led to King Ethelbert’s conversion and the baptism of 10,000 of his people within a year. This widespread acceptance of Christianity necessitated the creation of written laws to protect the Church's interests.
Ethelbert's Laws of Kent: The First Written English Document
One of the most significant milestones discussed is Ethelbert's Laws of Kent, the earliest known legal code written in Old English around 602-603 AD. Unlike other Germanic tribes that composed their laws in Latin, Ethelbert's code was drafted in the native Anglo-Saxon language, marking a profound step in the development of written English.
“Ethelbert's legal code is the very first written document in the English language... [Timestamp: 01:10:30]
These laws primarily focused on compensations for offenses, particularly those against the Church, reflecting the intertwined relationship between church and state. The first law emphasizes this:
“godes feo an charizien twelf gilda.”
(Translation: The property of God and of the Church shall be compensated twelvefold.)
[Timestamp: 01:15:00]
This law underscored the Church's paramount importance in the newly Christianized Kentish society.
Linguistic Significance of the Laws
Kevin elaborates on the linguistic elements of the Laws of Kent, illustrating how they represent foundational aspects of the English language. Terms like "domus" (laws/judgments) and "gilda" (payment/compensation) showcase the early development of legal and societal vocabulary in Old English.
“...the word 'doom' still exists in modern English, tracing back to 'domus,' meaning judgment or law.”
[Timestamp: 01:20:45]
Moreover, Ethelbert’s decision to codify laws in Old English, as opposed to Latin, signifies the transition from oral to written traditions, enhancing the language's capacity for complexity and permanence.
Impact on Germanic Languages
The Laws of Kent not only hold significance for English but also for the broader family of Germanic languages. As the oldest written document in the English language and one of the earliest in the Germanic language family, these laws provide invaluable insights into the linguistic evolution of the region.
“With respect to all of the Germanic languages which are spoken today, English is the oldest attested language...”
[Timestamp: 01:28:10]
This highlights English's unique position in preserving early Germanic linguistic structures through written records.
Conclusion and Future Directions
Kevin wraps up the episode by emphasizing the profound impact of Augustine’s mission and the establishment of written laws on the English language and Anglo-Saxon society. The episode sets the stage for future discussions on how these early developments paved the way for English literature and further linguistic evolution.
“...the monks were really the only ones capable of producing this type of document at this very early date in Anglo Saxon Britain.”
[Timestamp: 01:35:00]
He hints at upcoming episodes that will explore the adaptation of the Latin alphabet for English, the rise of literacy, and the interplay between Roman and Irish monastic influences, leading to the first English literature.
Key Takeaways
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Monastic Influence: Monasteries were crucial in preserving and propagating written language, fostering literacy, and creating manuscripts that would influence English.
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Christianization and Writing: The spread of Christianity among the Anglo-Saxons, spearheaded by figures like Augustine, necessitated the creation of written laws and religious texts.
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Ethelbert's Laws: These laws represent the first written English documents, showcasing the early use of Old English in legal contexts and the integration of church authority within secular governance.
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Linguistic Heritage: The Laws of Kent not only hold historical significance but also provide foundational insights into the development of English and other Germanic languages.
Notable Quotes
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On Augustine’s Influence:
“Augustine was the key figure in converting the first Anglo Saxons to Christianity.”
[Timestamp: 01:12:30] -
On the Importance of Written Laws:
“The written word was largely foreign to the Anglo Saxons, but they realized the value and the importance of writing in the Anglo Saxon world.”
[Timestamp: 01:25:00] -
On Linguistic Evolution:
“These laws are the first sentence written in an English document and it's about 1400 years old...”
[Timestamp: 01:30:15]
Final Thoughts
Episode 33 of The History of English Podcast offers a comprehensive look into the transformative period when the Anglo-Saxon society embraced Christianity and the written language. Through the lens of missionaries and manuscripts, Kevin Stroud illuminates how these early efforts laid the groundwork for English as a written language, influencing not only legal systems but also the broader cultural and linguistic landscape of medieval England.
For those interested in the intricate interplay between language, religion, and societal change, this episode provides a foundational understanding of how written English began to take shape amidst the tides of historical transformation.
Stay tuned for the next episode, where Kevin will explore the adaptation of the Latin alphabet for English, the rise of literacy in monasteries, and the burgeoning English literature that would follow.