Bede

Famous Anglo Saxon chronicler ( 673 - 735 ). Known as the Venerable Bede. Born in Northumbria and lived most of his life in the monastery in Jarrow. A prodigious scholar who was fluent in Latin and Greek, amongst others. He quietly wrote a history of the British entitled "The Ecclesiastical History of the British People" - which he finished in 731. This important book was translated into English by Alfred the Great.

It was due to Bede that we now use A.D ( anno domini ) to signify the years after the birth of Christ. He was also a scientist of some note.