Pega

Pega (c. 673 – c. 719) was a Christian saint renowned as an anchoress in the ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia. She held significant spiritual importance as the sister of St Guthlac, a prominent hermit.

Life and historical context

The earliest extant information about Pega is found in Felix's 8th-century Latin text, the Life of Guthlac, where she is described as 'the holy virgin of Christ Pega.' As Guthlac's sister, Pega belonged to one of Mercia's noble families, being the daughter of Penwalh of Mercia. She chose a life of religious seclusion as an anchoress at a site now known as Peakirk, meaning 'Pega's church,' situated near Peterborough.

When Guthlac felt his end approaching in 714, he summoned Pega. She traveled by boat to his oratory to assist in his burial. A year later, Pega oversaw the significant event of translating her brother's remains into a new sepulchre. During this ceremony, Guthlac's body was found to be incorrupt, an event that further underscored his sanctity. At this time, Pega also performed a notable act of charity: she used a piece of glutinous salt, previously consecrated by Guthlac, to restore the sight of a blind man who had journeyed to Crowland from Wisbech.

Later accounts offer additional details about Pega's life. Henry of Avranches, in his 13th-century poetic life of Guthlac, records an instance where Guthlac banished Pega from Crowland. This occurred after the devil assumed Pega's appearance and attempted to tempt Guthlac into breaking his fast.

Further traditions emerge from the 15th-century Croyland Chronicle, attributed to Pseudo-Ingulf. This source claims that Pega inherited her brother Guthlac's psalter and scourge. She later bequeathed these items to Kenulph, who became the first abbot of Crowland Abbey.

Death, miracles, and legacy

Following her brother's death, Pega embarked on a pilgrimage to Rome. According to a 12th-century account by Orderic Vitalis, she died there on January 8, 719. Orderic Vitalis also claims that her remains were interred in a church constructed in Rome in her honor, where miracles were reported to have occurred.

The precise location of Pega's hermitage remains uncertain. However, it is speculated that it may have been situated on the site of the 13th-century chapel at St Pega's Hermitage in Peakirk, which is now a private residence. Peakirk's Church of England parish church holds the unique distinction of being dedicated to Pega. A local legend persists that Pega's heart was returned to Peakirk and was preserved as a relic within the church, housed in a 'heart stone.' Fragments of this stone are still visible in the south aisle window.

St Pega's Hermitage

St Pega's Hermitage is a chapel, presently a private home, believed to be located on the site of Pega's original cell. The structure features a c. 1300 chancel that was later expanded with a 15th-century nave. The hermitage has undergone rebuilding and restoration across various centuries. In the 1850s, accommodation was built to house an order of Anglican nuns, which was extended in 1937 for the Community of the Holy Family. After 1980, the nuns, belonging to the Society of the Precious Blood, departed in 2001. The property was subsequently deconsecrated by the Bishop of Peterborough, Ian Cundy, and sold. It has since been converted into a private residence, with an atrium connecting the chapel, which retains its altar and other historical features, to the former convent buildings. The Hermitage is designated as a Grade II listed building.