Augustine Came to Kent (Living History Library)

It is the year 597 and Pope Gregory is sending a select number of his monks, led by Fr. Augustine, to re-evangelize England. Young Wolf, born in that land but raised in Rome, accompanies his father, Wolfstan, who goes as a guide and interpreter. Though the King of Kent's wife is a Christian, the missionaries from Rome do not know whether they will be welcomed, tolerated or martyred. In a story full of adventure, Wolf meets Fritha, a Saxon girl whose life and destiny are soon closely bound up with his own. Events, significant in the history of Christianity, are vividly brought to life by this veteran writer of historical fiction.

Britain, 597 A.D.
RL5
Of read-aloud interest ages 9-up

Barbara Willard (1909-1994) was born in Sus­sex, England. She enjoyed over fifty years of writing for both children and adults. Her father was an actor, and she made her first stage appearance at the age of eleven. After completion of her formal schooling, she continued acting, and in addition, began writing film scripts and novels for adults. In the late 1950’s Miss Willard turned to writing for children, fulfilling a life-long desire. Her favorite genre was historical fiction, of which Augustine Came to Kent is an early ex­ample. Since she had been an only child until the age of twelve, many of her nearly sixty works reflect a fascination with large families. Of her later work, her personal favorites were the acclaimed Mantlemass series, which follow an English country family from the 1400’s through 1600’s.