Anglo-Saxon Society and Religion · Autumn Term

The Conversion of England

Exploring the mission of St. Augustine and the influence of Irish monks like St. Aidan in spreading Christianity.

About This Topic

The Lindisfarne Gospels represent one of the greatest achievements of medieval art and a peak of Northumbrian culture. Created around AD 700 on the 'Holy Island' of Lindisfarne, this illuminated manuscript blends Celtic, Germanic, and Roman artistic styles into a single, stunning work. For Year 5 students, studying the Gospels provides a window into the world of Anglo-Saxon monasteries, which were the primary centres of learning, literacy, and wealth in England.

Students explore the painstaking process of creating the book, from preparing vellum (calfskin) to grinding rare minerals for pigments. This topic connects to National Curriculum targets for art and culture, as well as the religious history of Britain. Students grasp this concept faster through hands-on activities where they can experiment with calligraphy or design their own 'carpet pages', helping them appreciate the dedication and skill of the monk Eadfrith, who is believed to have written the entire book alone.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the motivations behind Anglo-Saxon kings' decisions to convert to Christianity.
• Analyze the significance of the Synod of Whitby in shaping the structure and practices of the English church.
• Compare the influence of St. Augustine's mission from Rome with the contributions of Irish monks like St. Aidan.
• Predict the impact of Christian conversion on existing pagan traditions and beliefs in Anglo-Saxon England.

Before You Start

Introduction to the Anglo-Saxons

Why: Students need a basic understanding of who the Anglo-Saxons were, where they settled, and their general way of life before exploring their religious beliefs and conversion.

Basic Concepts of Religion

Why: A foundational understanding of what religion is, including the concept of gods, beliefs, and practices, will help students grasp the significance of adopting a new faith.

Key Vocabulary

St. Augustine of Canterbury	A Benedictine monk who led the Gregorian mission to England in AD 597, becoming the first Archbishop of Canterbury and a key figure in the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons.
St. Aidan of Lindisfarne	An Irish monk and missionary who founded the monastery of Lindisfarne in AD 635, playing a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout Northumbria and beyond.
Synod of Whitby	A significant meeting held in AD 664 where King Oswiu of Northumbria decided to follow Roman dating for Easter and tonsure, aligning the English church with Rome.
Paganism	A term used to describe the polytheistic beliefs and practices of various pre-Christian European cultures, including the Anglo-Saxons, often involving worship of nature deities.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Scriptorium

Transform the classroom into a monastery scriptorium. Groups are assigned different tasks: 'The Vellum Makers' (researching animal skins), 'The Pigment Grinders' (looking at natural dyes), and 'The Scribes' (practising insular script). They then combine their knowledge to explain how a single page was made.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Gallery Walk: Decoding the Art

Display enlarged sections of the Lindisfarne Gospels. Students use magnifying glasses to find hidden details, such as the tiny birds, snakes, and 'interlace' patterns. They record how many different cultures they can see reflected in the art (e.g., Roman letters, Celtic knots).

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: Why make it so beautiful?

Students reflect on why a monk would spend years of his life making a single book. They discuss their ideas in pairs, considering reasons like religious devotion, showing off wealth, or preserving knowledge, and then share their conclusions with the class.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Real-World Connections

The establishment of cathedrals like Canterbury Cathedral, which still stands today as a major religious and tourist site, traces its origins back to St. Augustine's mission and the early Christianization of England.

Historians and archaeologists continue to study Anglo-Saxon burial sites and artifacts to understand the transition from pagan beliefs to Christianity, examining changes in grave goods and religious symbols.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The monks used modern pens and paper.

What to Teach Instead

They used quills made from goose feathers and 'paper' made from processed calfskin (vellum). A hands-on demonstration of how difficult it is to write with a feather quill helps students appreciate the incredible precision of the original scribes.

Common Misconception

Monasteries were just for praying.

What to Teach Instead

They were the 'universities' and 'factories' of their day. They were the only places where books were made, and they were also major landowners and centres of trade. Using a 'monastery map' activity helps students see the diverse range of activities that happened there.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are an Anglo-Saxon villager in the 7th century. Would you be more persuaded by St. Augustine's arguments or St. Aidan's example? Explain your reasoning, considering the differences in their approaches and backgrounds.'

Quick Check

Provide students with a list of 5-6 statements about the conversion of England. Ask them to label each statement as 'True' or 'False' and then circle the one statement they believe had the biggest impact on Anglo-Saxon society, justifying their choice in one sentence.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, ask students to write down one reason why an Anglo-Saxon king might have chosen to convert to Christianity. Then, ask them to write one question they still have about the process of conversion or the impact of Christianity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an 'illuminated' manuscript?

An illuminated manuscript is a book where the text is decorated with borders, illustrations, and often gold or silver leaf. The word 'illuminated' comes from the Latin for 'light up', because the bright colours and gold would make the page seem to glow. The Lindisfarne Gospels are one of the most famous examples in the world.

How long did it take to make the Lindisfarne Gospels?

It is estimated that it took the monk Eadfrith about five to ten years to complete the book. He worked on it alone, which is very unusual for such a large project. He had to write every single letter by hand and paint every tiny detail of the illustrations using a very fine brush.

What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching about the Gospels?

Allowing students to try 'illuminating' their own initial letter using metallic pens and bright colours is very effective. You can also use natural materials like turmeric, beetroot, or charcoal to show how pigments were made. This hands-on connection helps them understand the physical effort and the 'science' behind the art.

Why are the Lindisfarne Gospels in London now?

They are kept in the British Library in London to keep them safe and allow many people to see them. They were moved from Lindisfarne centuries ago to protect them from Viking raids and have been carefully preserved ever since. You can even look at every page of the book online through the British Library's website.