Edburga of Minster-in-Thanet facts for kids

Saint Edburga of Minster-in-Thanet was an important leader in early English history. She was also known as Eadburh or Bugga. Edburga was a princess from the kingdom of Wessex. She became an abbess, which is like the head of a monastery for nuns, at Minster-in-Thanet. Many people consider her a saint.

The Life of Saint Edburga

Edburga was the only daughter of King Centwine and Queen Engyth of Wessex. Her father, King Centwine, ruled the kingdom of Wessex. He was not a Christian for most of his life. However, near the end of his rule, he became a Christian. He then chose to live as a monk.

Edburga was a close friend and student of Saint Mildrith. Saint Mildrith was the abbess of the Minster-in-Thanet abbey before Edburga. Edburga was known for her strong desire to learn new things.

Becoming a Nun

In the year 716, Edburga joined the abbey at Minster-in-Thanet. She became a Benedictine nun there. She often wrote letters to important religious figures. These included Saint Boniface and Lullus.

Between 718 and 720, her mother wrote a letter to Boniface. Soon after, in 720, Edburga herself wrote to him. She sent him fifty shillings and a special cloth for an altar. In 716, Boniface sent her a famous letter. It contained a story called the Vision of the Monk of Wenlock.

Leading the Abbey

Around the year 733, Edburga became the new abbess. She took over from Saint Mildrith. As abbess, she was in charge of about seventy nuns. She worked hard to make sure the abbey was strong and well-supported.

During her time as abbess, she received royal charters for the abbey. These were official documents from the king. They gave the abbey special rights and protections. She also oversaw the building of a new church. This church was named Ss. Peter and Paul. It was built to hold the holy items, or relics, of Saint Mildrith.