Tom Holland appointed Bede Librarian at Durham Cathedral

Historian Tom Holland has been appointed as Durham Cathedral’s Bede Librarian.

The role is known as after the Venerable Bede, an eighth century English monk, and regarded by many as the primary major English historian.

His work “The Ecclesiastical History of the English People” is believed to have been accomplished in around 731 AD and details Roman Britain and the conversion of what would turn out to be England to Christianity.

Bede is himself buried in Durham Cathedral and it’s from the inscription on his tomb that he gained the title by which he is thought today: “Here are buried the bones of the Venerable Bede”.

Taking up his latest role, Holland, who has written and spoken at length concerning the vital role Christianity has played in British history and society, might be having a public conversation with the Dean of Durham, Philip Plyming about Bede and other Saxon saints.

Upon his appointment, Holland said, “Bede is the daddy of English history – so what greater honour could there possibly for an English historian than to be appointed the Bede Librarian within the cathedral where he lies buried.”

Monks like Bede were the first preservers and transmitters of culture and the written word. Holland is predicted to speak concerning the cultural impact men like Bede had of their day, and may even explore ways in which modern Britain can learn from such figures.

Ahead of the talk, which is about for 26 May, Plyming said, “I’m thrilled that Tom Holland has accepted the role of Bede Librarian at Durham Cathedral and might be contributing to our life and mission within the years to return. Tom is just not only an impressive historian and communicator but additionally deeply committed to the North-East, our saints and our stories.

“It might be wonderful to have him speaking about such a significant topic because the renewal of our culture and what we will – and must – learn from the past. I’m also delighted that he might be helping Durham Cathedral share our wonderful archives and collections with a good wider audience.”