Historical Setting: 793 C.E. Visiting the Monastery of St. Martin
The monastery, Marmoutier, named to honor St. Martin whose shrine brings pilgrims to Tours was also renovated to keep up with the times. It is fully following the Rule of Benedict now. Even in places once Celtic, Benedictine Rule is used, because revisions in the rule now allow, and even assume, an individual’s mystical relationship with God. Maybe it is no longer about enforcing the power of abbots and bishops over the monks and naming requirements for obedience. These were worthy changes in my opinion. But the written Rule now calls for a longer page to read, laid out here on the entryway bookstand. It is a good read while I wait for this teacher to the King’s children, Alcuin.
He was already informed a messenger is here and I am told he is lecturing, just now, on logic, a favorite subject of his. He’s known for making some intriguing puzzles for his students. [footnote]
I hear classroom noise echoing down these otherwise solemn hallways — young voices — a billowing teacher and now there is laughing. Where is any laughter in the strict rulebook posted on the bookstand here?
While I wait a matron brings two little girls with wax boards and styluses for practicing letters. Waiting together here, I ask the matron if it is usual here, for girls to learn to write.
“Their father is King Carulos, and he wants all of his children to be fully educated.” [footnote 2]
“So, this Frankish King values education, even for girls?”
“Of course.” She seems to wonder where I’ve been that I know nothing of King Charles.
“It isn’t unusual at all. Are you not aware that in these times, even the Byzantine emperor is a woman, Irene?”
The teacher comes to the hallway arch, his solemn face is creased pontifically, until he smiles, then that air of omnipotence melts with the warmth of his presence.
He says to the little girls, “Good morning Huldrud and Thedrada. We will start our lessons in moment. Practice your letters until I get there.”
The matron follows them down the hall.
“Ah, Father Alcuin…”
“It is ‘Deacon’ I am a teacher not a priest…”
“I was sent with a message from Lindisfarne.”
But this teacher, Alcuin seems much too cheerful for this letter I bring.
“Ah, the seal is of my dear friend, Bishop Higbald. Is he well?”
“He was well, when I saw him last, Sir, but I am sorry to bear the sorrowful news this letter brings.”
[footnote 1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_crossing_puzzle
[footnote 2] Charlemagne’s view of education, https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-herkimer-westerncivilization/chapter/charlemagnes-reforms/ retrieved 6-2-25
(Continues Tuesday, August 12)
Lazarus Ink 