Wulfhilda of Barking facts for kids

Wulfhilda, also known as Wulfhild or Wulfreda, was an important Anglo-Saxon woman who lived around the years 940 to 996. She was a special leader of a group of nuns, known as an abbess, and is remembered as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Her Early Life and Becoming an Abbess

Wulfhilda was born around the year 940. Her father was a nobleman named Wulfhelm from a powerful kingdom called Wessex.

When she was young, Wulfhilda was raised and taught by a group of Benedictine nuns at a place called Wilton Abbey. These nuns were women who dedicated their lives to God and lived together in a community. When Wulfhilda grew up, she decided to join their group.

Around the year 970, a king named Edgar the Peaceful chose Wulfhilda to become the abbess of Barking Abbey. An abbess is like the head or leader of a monastery for nuns. King Edgar chose her because he had been very interested in her, and he wanted to show he was sorry for this.

Leading Barking Abbey

Under Wulfhilda's leadership, Barking Abbey became much bigger and more successful. She was a very good leader.

Wulfhilda herself gave 20 villages to the abbey. This meant the abbey had more land and resources. She also started another monastery in a place called Horton in Kent.

A Difficult Time and Her Return

Later, some nuns at Barking Abbey complained about Wulfhilda. The English queen, Queen Ælfthryth, who was King Edgar's wife, removed Wulfhilda from her position as abbess.

This might have happened because Queen Ælfthryth was jealous. King Edgar, her husband, had shown a lot of interest in Wulfhilda.

Wulfhilda lived away from Barking Abbey for 20 years. She stayed at Horton Priory with some other nuns who supported her.

She was able to return to Barking Abbey after 20 years. By then, Queen Ælfthryth had caused the abbey to lose a lot of its money. Also, the nuns at Barking Abbey had a special vision from their founder, Saint Æthelburh. This vision told them to let Wulfhilda come back.

How Wulfhilda Helped Others

A writer named Goscelin wrote about Wulfhilda's life. He said she served her followers like a kind and caring mother.

He wrote that she would do many helpful things for the nuns. These included getting water, gathering wood, starting fires, preparing food, giving out clothes, and even bathing her sisters. He called these actions her "ministry," meaning her way of serving God and others.

Goscelin also praised Wulfhilda for her kindness to the poor. He said she would secretly sit by the doors of the abbey church. As poor people walked by, she would give them alms, which are gifts of money or food to help those in need.

Wulfhilda also taught and inspired others. Her student and the nun who took over after her, named Leofflǽd, followed Wulfhilda's example of caring for people.

Wulfhilda died around the year 996. She was buried at Barking Abbey with two other saints, Hildelith and Ethelberga. Many people remembered and honored her for a long time after her death.