Durham: The Feast of the Venerable Bede

Every May there is a special commemorative service at Durham Cathedral in honour of Bede, the eighth century scholar, historian and Saint, as Bede is buried in the Galilee Chapel of the Cathedral; his feast day is celebrated on 25th May. Bede has been described as the “Father of English History” and his influential works include the “Ecclesiastical History of the English People” and a Life of Saint Cuthbert, whose shrine is also venerated at Durham, as well as numerous other theological, educational and poetical works. He is at least partly responsible for the convention of dating “Anno Domino” from the birth of Christ; though he didn’t invent this use, his work popularised the dating method. He spent most of his life as a monk at Monkwearmouth and Jarrow; originally buried at Jarrow, his remains were translated to Durham in the eleventh century and though his medieval shrine is lost, a new one was built in the nineteenth century, which is the focus for the service.

Helpful Hints

The service on Bede’s feast day lasts about an hour and is held in the Galilee Chapel at his tomb, with communion. There are also other services associated with the anniversary most years- check the Cathedral website for full details.

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