( H I L D A O F W H I T B Y ) 6 1 4 - 6 8 0Hidden by Red Saunders: An Impressions Gallery touring exhibition 9 March – 29 September 2013

Hild of Streonshalh (Hilda of Whitby) 614-680

Overview

Hild of Streonshalh, later renamed as Hilda of Whitby, was an inspiration to women’s education. A religious, kind and noble figure, Hild shows that you do not need to be revolutionary to make an impact on a controversial subject.

The Ecclesiastical History of the English

Much of the knowledge we have of Hild of Streonshalh comes from The Venerable Bede’s book The Ecclesiastical History of the English in which he evaluated the conversion from Anglo-Saxon paganism. It is here where we can learn how Hild’s wisdom attracted many kings to ask for her advice.

Her life

Born in 614, Hild was the second child of Hereric and Breguswith.

Her father died while she was still young so Hild and her sister grew up with their uncle Edwin, King of Northumberland.

In 627; King Edwin was baptised along with his court, including his niece Hild, in the presence of the Minister of York, Paulinus at a small wooden church.

When her sisters husband died, Hild planned to travel to France to be with her. However, she decided instead to remain in Northumbria at St. Aidan’s where she lived as a nun.

Religious Influence

The north bank of the River Wear was the location of Hild’s original convent

It was this convent where Hild and others learnt the traditions of Celtic monasticism. Within just one year, Hild was appointed as second abbess of Hartlepool Abbey, where today no trace remains except for the monastic cemetery.

Successes

In 657 Hild had been nominated as

founding abbess of the new

Streonshalh monastery

Streoneshalh monastery.

Little is known of the Streonshalh monastery except;

It was of Celtic style

It had small accommodations housing around two to three people.

It was one of the first traditional double monasteries available for both men and women

Men and women lived separately but worshipped together with all property and goods held in common.

Her character

Can you guess what the below symbols say about Hilda’s personality?

Energy

Peaceful

Love

Strength

“all who knew her called her mother because of her outstanding devotion and grace.”

Good teacher

Legacy

Hild died in 680 aged 66,following years of devotion to the church.

Legend has it that themoment she died the bellsrang and a nun namedBegu witnessed the soulof Hild being taken to heaven by angels.

Find more free resources on our website www.phm.org.uk/learning

People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER0161 838 9190 learning@phm.org.uk www.phm.org.ukTwitter: @PHMMcr Facebook: PHMMcr