ASL - Anglo-Saxon Nonfiction Lesson

Anglo-Saxon Nonfiction Lesson Drawing of The Venerable Bede, author of The Ecclesiastical History of England

Anglo-Saxon Nonfiction

Nonfiction texts allow a glimpse into the reality of a particular person, situation, or time period. Anglo- Saxon monks worked hard to preserve the history of the Anglo-Saxon time period, and there are nonfiction texts that demonstrate the desire to relay the events of the people. Along with fictional writings from the Anglo-Saxons, maps, medical journals, grammar books, and historical accounts survived in order to reveal more about society. Two of the important nonfiction texts from the Anglo-Saxon time period survived: the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the Ecclesiastical History of England. Specifically note the module themes of bravery and morality throughout the nonfiction texts.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle details the history of the Anglo-Saxon people. Due to the writers of the manuscripts being members of the Anglo-Saxon community, the text does contain bias. Some of the historical accounts in the text might not be completely true, but having an account of Anglo-Saxon history provides insight into the community who starts the English language spoken today. 

Ecclesiastical History of England

The Venerable Bede, a monk, wrote the Ecclesiastical History of England, and King Arthur was responsible for the translation of the text to English. The text details how Christianity came to the Anglo-Saxon people. 

Reading Assignment

Read Chapters I, II, XXIII, and XXVI Links to an external site.in order to understand the arrival of Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons. Links to an external site. As you read through the Ecclesiastical History of England, note the main dates and events that occurred throughout the time period. You will be responsible for the information in this lesson.

Practice Activity

Now that you have read and understand Ecclesiastical History of England, practice your comprehension here in the activity below:

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