Chapter XIV: The Eighth Century

Review of the life of Bede 237

735. Death of Bede 239

709. Death of Aldhelm, Bishop of Sherborne: his
literary works 241

The poet Cynewulf: verses on the Ruthwell
Cross 242

Religious decline: Bede’s letter to Archbishop
Egbert 243

Sham monasteries 244

Rapid succession of Northumbrian kings: Ceolwulf
and Eadbert 245

_Circa_ 756. Northumbrian capital transferred to Corbridge 247

716–757. Ethelbald, King of Mercia 249

His wars with Wessex 249

757–796. Offa, King of Mercia 250

Offa’s Dyke 251

Correspondence between Offa and Charlemagne 252

786. Cynewulf, King of Wessex--romantic story of his
death 255

784–802. Beorhtric, King of Wessex: his evil-minded wife,
Eadburh 255