Date of Birth: 673 AD
Zodiac Sign: Unknown
Date of Death: May 26, 735 AD
Biography
The Venerable Bede, also known as Saint Bede or Bede the Venerable, was an English Benedictine monk, historian, and scholar. He was born in 673 AD in the Kingdom of Northumbria, which is now part of modern-day England. Bede spent most of his life in the monasteries of Wearmouth and Jarrow, where he devoted himself to writing and scholarship. Bede’s most famous work is “Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum” (The Ecclesiastical History of the English People), completed in 731 AD. This work is of immense historical importance, providing a detailed account of early English history and the spread of Christianity in England. Bede’s scholarship extended beyond history; he also wrote extensively on topics such as theology, science, and poetry. Bede was renowned for his deep piety and dedication to learning. He was made a deacon at the age of 19 and ordained a priest at 30. His contributions to the church and scholarship earned him the title “Venerable,” and he was later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. Bede passed away on May 26, 735 AD, and his feast day is celebrated on that date.
5 Interesting Facts about Venerable Bede
1. Bede is often referred to as the “Father of English History” due to his comprehensive work on the history of England.
2. He was one of the first scholars to use the Anno Domini (AD) dating system.
3. Bede was proficient in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, which enabled him to access a wide range of scholarly texts.
4. He was later declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1899.
5. Bede’s remains were eventually moved to Durham Cathedral, where they are now housed in the Galilee Chapel.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Venerable Bede
1. “It is better to try to preserve a friend than to gain a new one.”
2. “The candle of the Lord is the spirit of man.”
3. “He alone loves the Creator perfectly who manifests a pure love for his neighbor.”
4. “Christ is the Morning Star, who, when the night of this world is past, gives to His saints the promise of the light of life, and opens everlasting day.”
5. “And I pray thee, loving Jesus, that as Thou hast graciously given me to drink in with delight the words of Thy knowledge, so Thou wouldst mercifully grant me to attain one day to Thee, the fountain of all wisdom, and to appear forever before Thy face.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
As a clergyman and monk who lived in the 7th and 8th centuries, Bede did not accumulate personal wealth. His contributions were primarily scholarly and spiritual rather than material.
Children
Bede never married and had no children, adhering to the monastic vow of celibacy.
Relevant Links
1. [BBC History – Bede](https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/bede.shtml
2. [Catholic Encyclopedia – St. Bede the Venerable](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02384a.htm
3. [Britannica – Bede](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bede
5. [Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum](https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/basis/bede-book1.asp