Æthelburh of Faremoutiers facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Æthelburh
Saint Ethelburga by Juan de Roelas, Valladolid, Spain
Princess Abbess
Born	Kingdom of East Anglia
Died	(664-07-07)7 July 664
Feast	7 July

Æthelburh (died 7 July 664), also known as Ethelburga, was an Anglo-Saxon princess. She later became an Abbess, which is the leader of a community of nuns. She is also recognized as a saint.

Who Was Saint Æthelburh?

Æthelburh was one of the daughters of King Anna of East Anglia. King Anna ruled a kingdom in what is now eastern England.

Her Royal Family

Æthelburh had several sisters who also became important religious figures.

• Her sister Saethryth became an abbess at Faremoutiers Abbey in France.
• Seaxburh and Æthelthryth both became abbesses at Ely.
• Another sister was named Withburga.

Life as a Nun

Æthelburh and her sister Saethryth were sent to a nunnery in Faremoutiers, France. A nunnery is a place where women live together and dedicate their lives to religious service. They went there to receive their education and spiritual training.

Becoming an Abbess

While at Faremoutiers, Æthelburh became a nun. She eventually became the abbess, leading the community of nuns. Her sister Saethryth also became a nun there. Saethryth later took over as abbess after Æthelburh.

Saethryth's Legacy

As abbess, Saethryth started building a church. This church was meant to honor the twelve apostles. However, the church was not finished when she died in 664. Saethryth was buried in this unfinished church.

Seven years later, her remains were moved to the nearby church of Saint Stephen. Her feast day, which is a special day to remember her, is celebrated on 7 July.

See also

• Wuffing dynasty family tree