Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England

Common card · No. 281878

Starting in the late 6th century, Anglo-Saxons converted from Anglo-Saxon and Norse paganism to Christianity. The process and timing of their Christianisation varied by region and was not necessarily a one-way process, with the traditional religion regaining dominance in most kingdoms of modern-day England at least once after their first Christian king. Kings likely often converted for political reasons such as the imposition by a more powerful king, to gain legitimacy, and to access book-writing traditions; however, there were also significant drawbacks to the conversion that may explain the reluctance of many kings to be baptised. The first major step was the Gregorian mission that landed in the Kingdom of Kent in 597, and within the Heptarchy, Æthelberht of Kent became the first Anglo-Saxon king to be baptised, around 600. He in turn imposed Christianity on Saebert of Essex and Rædwald of East Anglia. Around 628, Eadwine of Deira was baptised and promoted the new religion in Northumbria...

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