Key facts and dates

Timeline of key events

• Early 300s – Bishops established in cities like Lincoln, London, and York, indicating early Christian presence.
• 400 – St Ninian founds a monastery at Whithorn in Scotland, one of the earliest in Britain.
• 410 – Romans withdraw from Britain, leading to a decline in Christianity except in Wales.
• 597 – St Augustine arrives in Kent as a missionary, becomes the first Archbishop of Canterbury, and establishes monasteries following the Benedictine Rule.

Dedication to monastic life as a holy pursuit

In early Britain, many individuals chose to become nuns or monks. Dedicating one's life to God was regarded as the most holy thing one could do.

Early history of Christianity and monasteries in Britain

Before the arrival of the Romans, most people in Britain were pagans, meaning they were non-Christians who worshipped their own local gods rather than following Christianity.

Key stages in early Christian development

• Pre-Roman paganism – The majority of the population followed pagan beliefs, worshipping their own local gods.
• Early Christian presence by the 300s – Christianity began to take root, with the establishment of bishops in major cities such as Lincoln, London, and York.
• First monasteries – In 400, St Ninian set up a monastery at Whithorn in Scotland. Monasteries functioned as places for monks to live away from mainstream society.

Decline of Christianity after the Roman departure

The withdrawal of Roman forces from Britain in about 410 brought changes to the religious landscape. After this, Christianity was mainly popular only in Wales.

Factors in the decline and persistence

• Roman withdrawal in 410 – The departure of Roman forces in 410 caused Christianity to fade in much of England.
• Persistence in Wales – Christianity remained popular in Wales.
• Rise of Anglo-Saxon paganism – Incoming Anglo-Saxon settlers were mostly pagan.

Arrival of St Augustine and the establishment of Benedictine monasteries

St Augustine's mission and impact

• Mission to Kent in 597 – St Augustine, a missionary, landed in Kent in 597.
• Role as Archbishop of Canterbury – Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury.
• Introduction of the Benedictine Rule – He founded monasteries that followed the Benedictine Rule.