Main content

Caedmon, the Oldest Surviving English Poet

Episode 13 of 30

Writer David Almond discusses Caedmon, the earliest English poet whose name is known, said to be an illiterate herdsman who began to write it during a dream.

The writer David Almond recreates the life and times of the oldest surviving English poet - and fellow Northumbrian - Caedmon.

According to the writings of the 8th century monk Bede, Caedmon was an illiterate herdsman who came to understand how to compose religious poetry and song one night in the course of a dream. David Almond brings his story vividly and movingly to life.

Producer: Beaty Rubens.

Available now

15 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Wed 23 Jan 2013 22:45
  • Fri 1 Aug 2014 22:45

Featured in...

Death in Trieste

Death in Trieste

A 1760s murder still informs ideas about aesthetics, a certain sort of sex, and death.

Watch: My Deaf World

Watch: My Deaf World

Five compelling experiences of what it is like to be deaf in 21st-century Britain.

The Book that Changed Me

Five figures from the arts and science introduce books that changed their lives and work.

Download The Essay

Download The Essay

Download all the episodes from the series and listen at your leisure.

Podcast