Æthelburh of Barking facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Æthelburg
Statue of Saint Ethelburga (Nathaniel Hitch, 1890s) at All Hallows-by-the-Tower, London
Abbess of Barking
Died	late 7th century
Feast	11 October

Saint Æthelburh (also known as Ethelburga) was an important religious leader in early England. She lived in the 7th century and was the first Abbess (leader of a community of nuns) of Barking. She was also the sister of Earconwald, who became the Bishop of London.

Who Was Saint Æthelburh?

The main information we have about Æthelburh comes from a famous book called Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum by a writer named Bede. This book tells us about the founding of Barking Abbey. It also shares stories of early miracles that happened there and describes Æthelburh's death. Bede wrote that Æthelburh was "upright in life and constantly planning for the needs of her community." This means she was a good person who always thought about how to help the people she led.

Founding Barking Abbey

Before her brother Earconwald became the Bishop of London around 675 AD, he helped set up a special kind of religious community for his sister. This was a double monastery at Barking. A double monastery meant it had separate areas for both monks and nuns, but they were usually led by one abbess. Barking Abbey might have been started even earlier, around the time of a big plague in 664 AD.

We also know that Bishop Eorcenwald, her brother, wrote an important document called a charter. This charter, which is believed to be real, recorded a gift of land in Essex. The land was given by someone named Æthelred to Æthelburh and Barking Abbey. This happened between 686 and 688 AD.

Her Legacy and Feast Day

A book from the 9th century, called the Old English Martyrology, tells a story about Æthelburh. A nun from Barking Abbey said she saw a vision of Æthelburh being carried up to heaven by golden chains. Æthelburh was buried at Barking.

The Old English Martyrology also tells us that her special day, or feast day, is 11 October. The Orthodox Church still remembers her on this day. After Æthelburh, Hildelith became the next abbess of Barking.

Churches Named After Her

Æthelburh founded a church in London called All Hallows Berkyngechirche. Today, it's known as All Hallows Barking or All Hallows by the Tower. Her brother Eorconwald gave her the land for this church around 675 AD.

Another church in London, St Ethelburga the Virgin, is also named after her. This church is very old. It survived the Great Fire and the Blitz during World War II. It was damaged in an attack in 1993, but it has been repaired. Now, it is a place that works for peace and understanding between different groups of people.

There was also an area near Battersea Park in London named after her, with streets and a school. Another church dedicated to her is St Ethelburga's at Great Givendale, in Yorkshire.

The Church of England also remembers Saint Æthelburh. They have a special commemoration for her on 11 October.

Images for kids

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  Statue of Saint Ethelburga (Nathaniel Hitch, 1890s) at All Hallows-by-the-Tower, London

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