| Saint Æthelburh | |
|---|---|
| Widow | |
| Born | c. late 6th century Kent, England |
| Died | c. 647 Lyminge, Kent, England |
| Honored in | Roman Catholic Church; Anglican Communion |
| Major shrine | Collegiate Church at Canterbury, England |
| Feast | April 5 |
Saint Æthelburh (ca. 616[1] - 647), also known as Ethelburg, Ædilburh and Æthelburga (Old English: Æþelburh), was the second wife of Edwin of Northumbria. She was the daughter of King Ethelbert of Kent and the Merovingian princess Saint Bertha, as well as the sister of Eadbald and Edburga. Æthelburh’s marriage to Edwin in 625 triggered the conversion of the north of England to Christianity.
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Æthelburh was born circa 616 to Æthelberht of Kent and Bertha of Kent.[2] In 625 she married Edwin of Northumbria. Their marriage, which led to Edwin being converted to Christianity by Æthelburh,[1][2] not only helped to spread Christianity in the kingdom, but also brought together the two kingdoms of Northumbria and Kent.[3]
Æthelburh’s children with Edwin were:
After Æthelberht's death, she moved back to Kent, with her daughter, Eanfled.[3] She then established one of the first Benedictine nunneries in the county[2], in Folkestone, Kent. There she served as abbess[2] and taught medicine to women, healed and tended to the sick.[1]
Æthelburh is a featured figure on Judy Chicago's installation piece The Dinner Party, being represented as one of the 999 names on the Heritage Floor.[1][2]