Alfred and the Renaissance

Question 1

What is notable about Alfred’s translation of the Book of Psalms?

Answer 1

Sacred songs and hymns with moral messages, showed the link between devotion to God and defeating the Vikings, used to help quickly teach priests Latin, focused people on the external enemy (unification)

Question 2

What is notable about Gregory’s Pastoral Care?

Answer 2

It was a how-to guide for priests - written by Pope Gregory

Question 3

What is notable about Boethius Consolation of Philosophy?

Answer 3

Written by Boethius in the 6th century, spreads a message against having self pity and to trust God - presented the Vikings as a test from God and the way to “pass” would be to trust Alfred. Alfred removed all references to classical civilisation

Question 4

What is notable about St Augustine’s Soliloquies?

Answer 4

Dialogues between St Augustine and reason - states Alfred is God’s representative on earth - focus on eternal life and how to achieve it - Alfred heavily edited books 2 and 3 to say that if people didn’t show obedience to him they would go to hell

Question 5

What is notable about Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English people?

Answer 5

Spread the message that we’re all Christians - promoting unity - the idea of “English people” (also unity) - showed the development of Christianity in England - core message was to follow the Church and happiness will come

Question 6

What is notable about Gregory’s dialogues?

Answer 6

Reinforced the view from Soliloquies that obedience to God and Alfred would lead to eternal life in heaven.

Question 7

Why did he develop the renaissance?

Answer 7

He believed to appease God, he should educate people. This would defeat the Vikings, and improve administration.

Question 8

How did he develop the renaissance?
Which scholars did he bring over?

Answer 8

Western Mercia - Plegmund of Canterbury
Francia - Grimbald (sent by Fulco)
Continental Saxony - John (became Bishop of Athelney)