G. F. (George Forrest) Browne
The Christian Church in These Islands before the Coming of Augustine
Three Lectures Delivered at St. Paul's in January 1894
"The Christian Church in These Islands before the Coming of Augustine" by Rev. G. F. Browne is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work comprises three lectures delivered at St. Paul's Cathedral, exploring the early history of Christianity in Britain, particularly prior to the arrival of Augustine in 597 AD. It aims to uncover the established Christian elements in Britain before Augustine's mission and tracks the development and challenges of the Christian Church amidst the pagan cultures of the time. At the start of the book, the author emphasizes the significance of commemorating the 1300th anniversary of the introduction of Christianity to England while acknowledging its earlier existence among the Britons for centuries. Browne discusses pivotal figures like King Ethelbert and Queen Bertha, and the missionary endeavors of Bishop Luidhard, revealing a complex intermingling of Christian heritage and pagan traditions. He illustrates the challenges faced by these early Christians, including the lack of sufficient missionary support from Gaul, and portrays the historical context leading up to Augustine's mission to England, while also hinting at the formalization of the Church's structure over time.