[1] Haddan, 267.

[2] Hyde, 221.

[3] Joyce, Short Hist of I., 165.


In 664 many English, both high and low in rank, left
their native land for Ireland, where they sought instruction
in sacred studies, or an opportunity to lead a more ascetic
life. Some devoted themselves faithfully to a monkish
career. Others applied themselves to study only, and for
that purpose journeyed from one master's cell to another.
The Irish welcomed all comers. All received without
charge daily food: barley or oaten bread and water, or
sometimes milk--cibus sit vilis et vespertinus--a plain meal,
once a day, in the afternoon. Books were supplied, or
what is more likely, waxed tablets folded in book form.
Teaching was as free as the open air in which it was
carried on.[1]

[1] Bede, H. E., iii. 27; Healy, 101; Stokes (G. T.), 230.


Among the English at one time or another taking advantage
of Irish hospitality were Gildas (c. 540), first native
historian of England;[1] Ecgberht, presbyter, a Northumbrian
of noble birth; Ethelhun, brother of Ethelwin, bishop
of Lindsay; Oswald, king of Northumbria; Aldfrith,