Augustine's Prophecy Context

Here's a little tale from the perspective of one of the Monks present at the Battle of Chester 615/16AD.

This was a battle between the combined British force of Powys and Rhos (early Gwynedd) and the Northumbrians. It resulted in a victory for King ᴁthelfrith of Northumbria, and severed the connection between the Britons of the North and of the South, the effects of which were still seen in British literature centuries later.

During the battle, a number of monks (the exact number is debated), were slaughtered by King ᴁthelfrith. Whether out of heathen spite or as a tactic to distract his enemies, the reason is unclear. The massacre was apparently predicted by Augustine of Canterbury,  and this prophecy is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. "And came about Augustinus's prophecy, that he said "If they do not have peace with us, they will die at the hands of the Saxons."

I always found this battle fascinating due to its long-term repercussions, and the monks' massacre alone is an interesting piece of history. Unfortunately neither is well known. Therefore, with this piece I wanted to bring a little light and life, (though only dim and short), to a dark age.

Happy reading!