GENERAL DESCRIPTION

St. Benedict Biscop (c.628 – c.690)

• Biscop was the son of a Northumbrian nobleman and a devout Christian.
• He went on a pilgrimage to Rome twice and became a monk before returning home. He came back to England with St. Theodore and became an abbot in Canterbury.
• He later returned to the North East and founded the famous double monastery at Monkwearmouth and Jarrow. He was given land to set this monastery up by King Ecgfrith of Northumbria in 674.
• Peter’s in Wearmouth is located on the site of the old monastery!
• Biscop set up the monastery to follow the rules of St. Benedict, and it is likely that this was when ‘Benedict’ was added to Biscop’s name.
• Benedict Biscop made more trips to Rome, and brought back several books and manuscripts. The library at the monastery was probably one of the largest collections in England!
• The monastery was also known for the use of skilled stonemasons and glass makers.
• One of Biscop’s pupils was St. Bede, known as the ‘Father of English History’ for his writings about the early history of the English Church.

EXPLANATION OF HOUSE CREST

The crest is inspired by St. Benedict of Nursia, an Italian who was the inspiration for the Benedictine monasteries. It is featured on medals used in the Church. The cross symbolises the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ; the four spheres would feature a letter C, S, P or B – (Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti) – the cross of our Holy Father Benedict.

The letters surrounding the cross are different Latin prayers:

VRSNSMV – Vade Retro Satana! Numquam Suade Mihi Vana! Be gone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities!
SMQLIVB – Sunt Mala Quae Libas. Ipse Venena Bibas! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!