Mildrith
Saint Mildrith was a notable 7th- and 8th-century Anglo-Saxon abbess of the Abbey at Minster-in-Thanet, Kent. She is remembered for her leadership of the abbey, her lineage within the Kentish royal family, and her eventual veneration as a saint. Her remains were translated to Canterbury in 1030, becoming a focus of local pilgrimage.
- Feast Day
- May 18
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Mildrith was born around 660 AD and died after 732 AD.
- ›She was the daughter of King Merewalh of Magonsaete and Domne Eafe.
- ›Mildrith became abbess of the Abbey at Minster-in-Thanet by 694.
- ›Her sisters, Milburga and Mildgyth, were also considered saints.
- ›Her remains were translated to Canterbury in 1030.
- ›She is featured in the Kentish Royal Legend, also known as the "Mildrith Legend".
Mildthryth, Mildryth, Mildred, Mildþrȳð
About Mildrith
Saint Mildrith
Saint Mildrith, also known by variations such as Mildthryth, Mildryth, and Mildred, and bearing the Old English name Mildþrȳð, was a significant Anglo-Saxon religious figure of the 7th and 8th centuries. She served as the abbess of the Abbey at Minster-in-Thanet, located in Kent, England.
Life and Family Background
Mildrith was born around 660 AD. Her parentage placed her within the royal circles of Anglo-Saxon England: her father was King Merewalh of Magonsaete, and her mother was Domne Eafe, a great-granddaughter of Æthelberht of Kent. This lineage meant she was connected to the so-called Kentish Royal Legend. Her sisters, Milburga of Much Wenlock and Mildgyth, were also recognized as saints. Mildrith herself, along with her wider family, features prominently in the "Mildrith Legend" and other hagiographical accounts.
Abbess of Minster-in-Thanet
Mildrith's maternal family had strong connections to the Merovingian rulers of Gaul. It is believed she received her education at the esteemed Merovingian royal abbey of Chelles. She later entered the Abbey at Minster-in-Thanet, an institution established by her mother. By the year 694, Mildrith had risen to the position of abbess.
Veneration and Relics
Following her death at Minster-in-Thanet sometime after 732, Mildrith was declared a saint. Her successor as abbess, Eadburg, ensured her remains were translated to a new abbey church at Minster-in-Thanet, not later than 748. The shrine became a notable site for local pilgrimage, solidifying Mildrith's status as a beloved local patron saint.
In 1011, the abbey at Minster-in-Thanet was abandoned after Danish incursions. Despite considerable local opposition, Mildrith's remains were translated to St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury in 1030. This event is commemorated on May 18th. Some of her relics were also gifted to a church in Deventer, Netherlands, during the 11th century. In 1881, Pope Leo XIII officially reinstated her feast day, and in 1882, Benedictine nuns returned to Thanet, re-establishing a monastic presence, and a relic of Saint Mildrith was brought there in 1953.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Mildrith?
Saint Mildrith was a 7th- and 8th-century Anglo-Saxon abbess of the Abbey at Minster-in-Thanet, Kent. She was the daughter of King Merewalh and became abbess of the abbey her mother had established.
When did Saint Mildrith live?
Saint Mildrith was born around 660 AD and lived until at least 732 AD, making her a figure of the late 7th and early 8th centuries.
What is Saint Mildrith known for?
She is primarily known for her role as abbess of Minster-in-Thanet and for her lineage within the Kentish royal family. She was declared a saint after her death and became a focus of local veneration.
Where were Saint Mildrith's remains moved?
In 1030, Saint Mildrith's remains were moved from Minster-in-Thanet to St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury, despite local opposition.
Are there other saints in Saint Mildrith's family?
Yes, her sisters, Milburga of Much Wenlock and Mildgyth, were also considered saints. Her family features prominently in the Kentish Royal Legend.
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