Herefrith of Lindisfarne

Some of the most important additions to Bede's Prose Life of Cuthbert came from Herefrith, a former abbot of Lindisfarne. I think its worth exploring what Bede tells us about Herefrith in  the Life of Cuthbert and what we can deduce. When Bede first introduces material from Herefrith in the plague of Melrose chapter [Ch...

Iurminburgh’s Warning

Still working on Bede's Life of Cuthbert --  I've been thinking about  Cuthbert's prediction on Ecgfrith's last campaign, and I find myself wondering about his warning to Queen Iurminburgh. "But he immediately said to the queen, and secretly addressing her, it being Saturday, said: "See that you mount your chariot early on Monday -- for...

Cuthbert’s early career and social standing

I've been reading the Lives of Cuthbert tonight and a few things strike me. It occurs to me that Cuthbert's career was on track to become a bishop from the day he arrived at Melrose because of his high social standing. Cuthbert was coming to Melrose at a time when men of high social standing...

The first Life of Cuthbert

I was looking at the Anon. Life of Cuthbert the other day and I was surprised at how many differences there are from Bede's version. This version was also written under orders from Bishop Eadfrith of Lindisfarne, who also commissioned Bede's version about a decade later. Eadfrith clearly knew the power of a Vita in...

Ecgfrith’s Heir

During a fall when I've been too busy for blogging, I got a great medieval surprise in my snail mailbox. For the first time I can remember the Jarrow Lecture has been published in the year it was given! Kudos to Barbara Yorke! She gave a very interesting and thought provoking lecture. So thought provoking...

LKM: Cumbria-Galloway (Solway Firth)

Post-Roman Cumbria and Galloway The region of Cumbria and Galloway was the active zone for the 'Men of the North', famous in British poetry.  Many of the 'Men of the North' appear to have been located in old Roman ruins along Hadrian's Wall. All of the 'Men of the North', including the dynasty of Rheged,...