Gregory the Great was born in Rome in about 540. He was appointed praetor but gave up this post in 575. After distributing his wealth to the poor he went to live in a monastery in Rome. It was during this period he saw Anglo-Saxon youths in the slave-market and was seized with a desire to convert England to Christianity.

In 590 Gregory became Pope and two years later sent Augustine as a missionary to England. While in power Gregory also attempted to repress slave-dealing. His interest in music led to the development of what became known as the Gregorian Chant. Gregory the Great died in 604.