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Christian missionaries: Patrick, Columba and Augustine

Study note

The Anglo-Saxons were not Christians when they first settled in Britain. Over time, though, Christianity spread among them through the work of dedicated missionaries who travelled to preach and to found religious communities.

Two of these missionaries are linked with Ireland. St Patrick, the best known, became the patron saint of Ireland. St Columba founded an important monastery on the island of Iona, which lies off the western coast of Scotland, and from there Christianity spread further.

A third great figure came not from Ireland but from Rome. St Augustine was sent to spread the faith in the south of Britain, and he became the very first Archbishop of Canterbury, a position that remains the most senior in the Church of England to this day. For the test, link Patrick with Ireland, Columba with Iona, and Augustine with Canterbury.

Memory tip: Patrick = Ireland; Columba = Iona; Augustine = first Archbishop of Canterbury.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 5

Who became the patron saint of Ireland?

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Show all questions and answers for Christian missionaries: Patrick, Columba and Augustine(5 questions with explanations)

Christian missionaries: Patrick, Columba and Augustine: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Who became the patron saint of Ireland?

    • St Patrick
    • St Columba
    • St Augustine
    • St George

    Correct answer: St Patrick

    St Patrick became the patron saint of Ireland.

  2. 2. On which island did St Columba found a monastery?

    • Anglesey
    • Orkney
    • Lindisfarne
    • Iona

    Correct answer: Iona

    St Columba founded a monastery on the island of Iona off the coast of Scotland.

  3. 3. Who led missionaries from Rome and became the first Archbishop of Canterbury?

    • St Andrew
    • St Patrick
    • St Columba
    • St Augustine

    Correct answer: St Augustine

    St Augustine spread Christianity in the south and became the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

  4. 4. St Augustine became the first Archbishop of which place?

    • London
    • Canterbury
    • York
    • Dublin

    Correct answer: Canterbury

    St Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

  5. 5. Select TWO saints who spread Christianity in early Britain from Ireland.

    • St Columba
    • St David
    • St Augustine
    • St Patrick

    Correct answer: St Columba and St Patrick

    St Patrick and St Columba spread Christianity from Ireland, while St Augustine came from Rome.

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