Daughters of Woden and brides of Christ, the royal women of Anglo-Saxon England were renowned for their sanctity. But why were so many members of the royal family revered as saints? Why were so many female?

From the 6th to 11th century, royal women inhabited major roles in the religious and political life of the different Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. As queens, princesses, abbesses, and even warriors, they spread Christianity throughout the Anglo- Saxon world. Expected to be peace weavers, they could also be shield maidens.

We will explore the remarkable lives, and afterlives, of nine Anglo-Saxon ruling women from the sixth to the eleventh century: Bertha, Mildrith, Werburgh, Etheldreda, Hilda, Aethelflaed, Edith, Emma, and Margaret. Why were some venerated as saints while others were airbrushed out of history? Along the way we will explore sites associated with these women.

From Kent, East Anglia and Wessex to Mercia and Northumbria, royal saints continued to exert a profound influence centuries after their death. These ‘iron maidens’ of Anglo-Saxon England were both venerated saints and powerful political figures. Through them we will explore the uniqueness of Anglo-Saxon history.

This course will combine lecture with class discussion. NOTE: Participation is open to both Osher members and St. Thomas parishioners (who are asked to register through the church).