Sunday, June 23, 2013

Bede: The Ecclesiastical History of the English People - Chapter 26


Augustine and his men begin to chant, sing, say mass and preach in the church of St. Martin which was built by the Romans before they left Britain. St. Martin is significant because Queen Bertha, King Aethelberht's Christian wife, prayed here. Bede states that the simplicity and piety of Augustine and the men who followed him inspired many to convert to the their faith, including King Aethelberht. Although the King supports their cause and belief, he does not force his people to convert.

The Church of St. Martin



I wonder if Queen Bertha suggested that they preach here. For a church frequented by a royal person, it is very unassuming and simple.

The following site has some nice pictures of the stained glass windows depicting the Queen, King, St. Martin and Augustine. The pictures can be found by clicking on the links at the bottom of the page:

http://www.saintsandstones.net/saints-stmartinscanterbury-journey.htm

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