Person

Augustine of Canterbury

? – c. 604

Also known as Apostle of the English

The first archbishop of Canterbury and 'Apostle of the English' who established organized church life in England through Roman and Celtic traditions.

Filed underTheologians & Historical FiguresChurch History

Definition

(d. c. 604 AD) First archbishop of Canterbury, known as the 'Apostle of the English.' Augustine had laid the foundations for organized church life in England. Canterbury became a little Rome, with its cathedral, monastery, shrines, and schools. From the fusion of Roman tradition and Celtic mission was to come the Church of the English.

Connections

Follow this entry through the Lexicon.

Sources

  1. 1.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 72Original citation: Brauer, Jerald C., and B. A. Gerrish, eds. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971, 72.

Last revised August 14, 2026