Æthelburg of Barking

infobox Saint
name=Æthelburg
feast_day=11 October
titles=Abbess of Barking
died=late 7th centurySaint Æthelburg (died after 686x688) or Ethelburga, founder and first Abbess of the dual monastery of Barking, was the sister of Eorcenwald, Bishop of London.

The main source for Æthelburg is Bede's "Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum" which recounts the foundation of Barking, early miracles there, and Æthelburg's death (Book IV, Chapters 6 to 10). Bede describes Æthelburg as "upright in life and constantly planning for the needs of her community".

A charter (Sawyer 1171), probably genuine and drafted by Bishop Eorcenwald in the reign of King Sebbi of Essex (reigned c. 664–c. 694), records a grant of lands in Essex by a certain Æthelred to Æthelburg and Barking. This is dated to between 686 and 688.

The 9th century "Old English Martyrology" records a vision, recounted by a nun of Barking, who saw Æthelburg being drawn up into heaven by golden chains. She was buried at Barking. The "Old English Martyrology" records her feast day as 11 October. Her successor as abbess was Hildelith.

References

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