Cwenburh facts for kids
Cwenburh of Wimborne was an important woman who lived in England about 1300 years ago. She was known as an Anglo-Saxon saint. Cwenburh was the sister of King Ine of Wessex and also of Saint Cuthburh. Her sister Cuthburh was married to King Aldfrith of Northumbria. Later, Cuthburh became the very first abbess (leader of a group of nuns) at the Wimborne monastery.
Contents
Who Was Cwenburh?
We don't have much information about Cwenburh today. Most of what we know comes from a very old book called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This book was like a diary kept by monks, recording important events each year.
Cwenburh in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle mentions Cwenburh in the year 718. It says:
- "In this year Ingild, Ine's brother, died. Their sisters were Cwenburh and Cuthburh. And Cuthburh started the monastery at Wimborne. She was married to Aldfrith, king of the Northumbrians, but they separated while he was still alive."
This part of the Chronicle tells us that Cwenburh was part of a royal family. Her brother was King Ine, and her sister Cuthburh was a queen who later founded a famous monastery.
Cwenburh in Royal Family Trees
Cwenburh is also mentioned in some old family trees. One copy of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle includes her in the family history of Æthelwulf of Wessex, who was the father of King Alfred the Great.
The family tree shows:
- "... Eoppa, son of Ingild, and Ingild, son of Cenred. And Ine, son of Cenred, and Cuthburh, daughter of Cenred, and Cwenburh, daughter of Cenred. And Cenred, son of Ceolwald ..."
This shows that Cwenburh, King Ine, and Saint Cuthburh were all children of Cenred.
Cwenburh and Wimborne Monastery
It's possible that Cwenburh became the abbess of Wimborne monastery after her sister Cuthburh passed away. This would mean she took over the leadership of the religious community there.
Resting Place of Saints
Cuthburh is mentioned in an old list called On the Resting-Places of the Saints. This list tells where important saints were buried. It says:
- "Saint Cuthburh rests at Wimborne Minster. She was the first to set up the way of life and customs that are still followed in the monastery."
In one version of this list, the words "and Cwenburh" appear after Cuthburh's name. However, some historians believe this might have been added later.
Other Possible Names
Sometimes, another abbess named Tetta is thought to be Cwenburh, or perhaps a third sister of Cwenburh and Cuthburh.
Images for kids
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Her Abbey now Wimborne Minster
