Who was Alcuin?

Before the eighth century, education was attached primarily to churches and monasteries; most students were being trained to become priests or work within the church in some way. The curriculum was narrow and any learning beyond what it would take to be able to read was discouraged. But then came Alcuin. A Northumbrian schoolmaster in York, his leadership of the school has been described as setting a ‘new standard for culture’. 

“To the influence of this robust, studious and convivial Englishman we may fairly trace the legislation which defines the educational responsibilities of the church and the episcopal and monastic schools which resulted from it” (Fisher 1936:161). 

The content of the curriculum of the York School, broad and engaging even at this time, was described as: “Moistening thirsty hearts with diverse streams of teaching and varied dews of study…above all, revealing the mysteries of holy writ.” 

His work as an educator was so influential he was persuaded to join Charlemagne’s court, influencing the Frankish empire for the good of God’s kingdom. He never returned to Britain and his influence on education in our nation has, sadly, largely been forgotten. It’s time we return to his legacy in the North of England, and pick up where he left off – ‘irrigating the land with learning’ afresh as the fruit of his methods were once described.