The Christian Church in These Islands before the Coming of Augustine

These lectures take listeners back to a time when Christianity had already taken root among the Britons, long before Augustine’s mission arrived in Kent. Drawing on Roman records, archaeological finds, and early traditions about figures such as St. Paul and Joseph of Arimathea, the speaker paints a vivid picture of the island’s pre‑Augustinian churches, the cultural landscape of the Romano‑British world, and the peoples who kept the faith alive in a remote corner of the empire.

Beyond the historical narrative, the talks highlight the significance of the coming anniversaries that mark the spread of the faith in England and France. By linking the upcoming commemorations of Ethelbert’s conversion with earlier British and continental milestones, the lecturer shows how these early foundations continue to shape national identity and the story of Christian civilization.