Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England
The Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England was a process spanning the 7th century. It was essentially the result of the Gregorian mission of 597, which was joined by the efforts of the Hiberno-Scottish mission from the 630s. From the 8th century, the Anglo-Saxon mission was, in turn, instrumental in the conversion of the population of the Frankish Empire.
Gregory dictating, from a 10th-century manuscript
Image: Eadbaldobv.1
Image: Eadbaldrev.1
The Gregorian mission or Augustinian mission was a Christian mission sent by Pope Gregory the Great in 596 to convert Britain's Anglo-Saxons. The mission was headed by Augustine of Canterbury. By the time of the death of the last missionary in 653, the mission had established Christianity among the southern Anglo-Saxons. Along with the Irish and Frankish missions it converted Anglo-Saxons in other parts of Britain as well and influenced the Hiberno-Scottish missions to continental Europe.
Portrait labelled "AVGVSTINVS" from the mid-8th century Saint Petersburg Bede, though perhaps intended as Gregory the Great
Gregory dictating, from a 10th-century manuscript
Site of the graves of Laurence, Mellitus and Justus at St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury
Ruins at Canterbury of St Augustine's Abbey, founded by Augustine.