Bede's Sources: A Thread đź“š
Bede gives James the Deacon, a companion of Paulinus (first Northumbrian missionary) surprisingly short shrift. Esp as Paulinus was resolute enough to remain in the North when Paulinus’ mission broke down (& he lived to play a part in the Synod of Whitby).
It’s difficult to see why James (who lived mostly nr Catterick) didn’t become one of the great legendary figures of the Northumbrian Church, unless he was either really dull or his oral record didn’t survive until the point a monastery could jot it down.
Earliest extant life of an English saint is the anon. Lindisfarne Life of Cuthbert, bishop of Lindisfarne and hermit of Farne, written c.699.
Whitby is rly the star of Bede’s work. It was to Whitby that the relics of Edwin were translated and traditions about Edwin were included in the Whitby “Life of Gregory [the Great]” written c.704. It was at Whitby that Oswiu was buried etc.
