Caedmon

**Caedmon** The first recorded attempt to translate Bible stories into the Anglo-Saxon vernacular was made in North England during the seventh century. The translator was a man named Caedmon who was, ironically, an illiterate herdsman. According to the history recorded by the Venerable Bede (who translated parts of the Bible in his own right), Caedmon was working at the abbey in where he would often hear the monks singing. Regretting that he knew no songs, he retired one evening to the stables. As he slept a voice came to him, commanding him to sing of “the beginning of all created things”. He composed a song in his dream, and upon awakening discovered he was able to add to the verses he had dreamed. When Caedmon sang his song to the Abbot it was decided that his ability was a gift from God. He took the monastic vows and was commissioned to create poetic versions of Bible stories and doctrines as they were taught to him.

Links: Caedmon Memorial Cross in Whitby Caedmon's Hymn