The English at that time were wholly pagan, and had, in all
probability, destroyed every vesetige of the faith for which the
British martyrs gave their lives (S25). But the King of Kent had
married a French princess who was a devout Christian. Through the
Queen's influence, the King was induced to receive Augustine. He was
afraid, however, of some magical practice, so he insisted that their
meeting should take place in the open air and on the island of
Thanet. (See map facing p. 32.)
The historian Bede tells us that the monks, holding a tall silver
cross and a picture of Christ in their hands, advanced and saluted the
King. Augustine delivered his message, was well received, and invited
to Canterbury, the capital of Kent. There the King became a convert
to his preaching, and before the year had passed ten thousand of his
subjects had received baptism; for to gain the King was to gain his
tribe as well.