Bede, the Scribe of Scripture: His impact upon Northumbrian publishing

Bede, the Scribe of Scripture: His impact upon Northumbrian publishing

Paper by Michelle P. Brown

Given at University College Cork on April 25, 2024

Overview; This lecture celebrates Jennifer and Terry O’Reilly’s work in spirituality and theology, drawing connections to Bede, a key figure in early English history. Bede’s writings, like his Ecclesiastical History, blend tradition and new ideas, contributing to fields like natural history and timekeeping. The study of Bede’s manuscripts reveals his impact on biblical scholarship, linking the ancient and medieval worlds. The lecture also explores the visual and artistic aspects of manuscripts, showing how color and imagery helped communicate complex ideas. It concludes by highlighting the lasting influence of both Bede and the O’Reillys on faith, learning, and culture.

Michelle P. Brown is Professor Emerita of Medieval Manuscript Studies at the School of Advanced Study, University of London. She was previously Curator of Illuminated Manuscripts at the British Library. Click here to see her website or follow Michelle on X/Twitter @digiscriptor

See also: New Medieval Books: Bede and the Theory of Everything