The Re-evangelisation of England
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The martyrdom of St Alban is evidence that there were Christians in England in the third century. Later Anglo-Saxon invasions helped paganism to reassert itself after the departure of the Roman legions.
The martyrdom of St Alban, c 305
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The country was re-evangelised in the north from Iona by Irish-Celtic monks, led by St Aidan.
The pectoral cross found with St Cuthbert's relics in Durham.
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In the south, missionaries came from Rome sent by Pope Gregory the Great and led by St Augustine.
Christians at Prayer. Wall decoration at Lullingstone Roman Villa, Kent
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In East Anglia, St Fursey from Ireland and St Felix, a Burgundian bishop sent from Canterbury, spearheaded a similar ‘dual mission’ in 635.
10th Century Irish High Cross from Clonmacnoise
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| St Felix, Apostle of East Anglia |
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