theories of origin

• who was Bede?

  a historian who was the first to record the history of Britain
• who was sent to preach the Word to East Saxons?

  653 - After King of East Saxons (Essex) is converted to Christianity, he sends messengers like Cedd to preach the Word (Jesus) and convert them to Christ.
• theory one: preaching cross

  -Anglo-Saxons typically gathered around stone crosses in a few towns to pray

  -Following the Norman Conquest, churches began to be built in every town

  -'Mael-dun' = cross on a hill -> name suggests that this theory was true - the cross would be seen by all those at the base of the hill marking the land
• theory two: chapel that belonged to a thegn

  -1971: archaeological study of area opposite the site revealed foundations for a large thegn feasting hall -> typically thegns had private chapels alongside their halls

  -the site = center of town -> thegns liked to assert authority e.g. be at center of community
• theory three: anglo-saxon church

  -foundations of an anglo-saxon nave was found under the site

  -King of East Saxons wanted Christianity to be spread throughout land - sent priests like Cedd to spread the Word; he became bishop and built many churches throughout his role in converting the people

  -Bede had record of many people converting -> they would need new places to pray e.g. churches built in 653 onwards
• which theory is best supported by physical evidence?

  -whilst there is evidence of a thegns feasting hall across the road from the site, there is no proof the chapel of the thegn was located at the site.

  -however, archaeologists found foundations of an anglo-saxon nave at the site and the existing structure suggests it was a typical anglo-saxon church (tall, long and narrow).

  -the doomsday book recorded land ownership and churches - most likely it would have record of the priests who worked at the anglo-saxon church at the site, and its presence in maldon.