I publish this well aware that my own understanding of the topic is still evolving, and will continue to grow and change. So will the work of others in this field, the debt to so many of which I acknowledge and extend my gratitude. A number of recent publications in particular have been formative in shaping my ideas about Anglo-Saxon saints. The spectacular tome by Robert Bartlett, Why Can the Dead Do Such Great Things?, has proved seminal to positioning the saints covered in this volume on a pan-European platform. Sarah Foot’s volume Monastic Life in Anglo-Saxon England, c.600–900, John Blair’s The Church in Anglo-Saxon Society and Malcolm Lambert’s Christians and Pagans: The Conversion of Britain from Alban to Bede have rarely been far from my side, and I’ve returned to them repeatedly in the writing of this book. I acknowledge that my work sits firmly in their shadows.
This book has been given a new angle, however, through my work for the BBC. Academic study can lead scholars into ever-narrowing avenues, and research can become more concerned with minutiae than with creating broad vistas. I have learnt as both a lecturer and a broadcaster that the people you relate your ideas to enjoy the details, but they need to know the larger narratives too. The ability to tell a good story was something the Anglo-Saxons prized, and I feel my teaching and television work is a small contribution to spreading narratives to more people than might read my PhD thesis.
I need to thank many people who made this book possible, supported me and were patient with me. The remarkable Department for Continuing Education in Oxford, whose remit of broadening access to knowledge is so close to my heart. Cathy Oakes, Angus Hawkins, Sandie Byrne, Kristine MacMichael, you all have my love and respect. As do my students, past and present, in Oxford, Warwick, Winchester, York, Duke and UNC. You have inspired me, and continue to broaden my knowledge year after year. To those at the V&A, especially Sally Dormer. My colleagues and friends at the Centre for Medieval Studies and Department of History of Art in York, including Mary Garrison, Jane Hawkes, Anthony Geraghty, Jason Edwards, Matthew Townend, Sarah Rees Jones and Elizabeth Tyler. Friends who have offered support and advice, particularly Sally Mapstone, Heather O’Donaghue and Sarah Foot. The staff and curators at the Bodleian and Sackler libraries, the Ashmolean and the British Museum. Those who made this book a reality, Rosemary Scoular, Aoife Rice, Ed Faulkner, Elen Jones, Steve Burdett, Jason Wolfe and Harriet Beadnell. Jamie Simpson, Nick Tanner, Paul Tilzey and the brilliant team at OFTV. The communities of Oxford and Woodstock that have supported me day in, day out. My wonderful family, Babi, Papa, Sheila, Mundo, Tom, Carole, Effie, Dodo, Nana Boo, Ciabia and, most importantly, Dan, Kuba and Kama. This is dedicated to you.