In c. 735 Lull’s extended family decided to see Rome for themselves. Pilgrimages to Rome were popular amongst Anglo-Saxons because it had been Pope Gregory the Great who first sent missionaries to convert the Anglo-Saxons in the 590s. Lull’s time in the monasteries had not diminished his family ties and he decided to travel with his relatives. In preparation for their journey they released their serving staff; pilgrimage could, it seems, have subtle effects upon the structure of medieval society.
The family set out and arrived in c. 737. There Lull, ever inquisitive, continued his studies. But disaster struck when an outbreak of malaria savaged Rome and Lull fell ill. His father left quickly, leaving his son behind; the pilgrimage had torn the family apart. Luckily Lull recovered and, in 739, he made the acquaintance of Boniface (d. 754), a Saxon from Devon and archbishop to all the Germans. Boniface had been attempting to convert pagans in Germany and Frisia (in modern-day Holland) since 716 and he convinced Lull to join him in his work.
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