Edburga (d. 751)

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Edburga (d. 751)

English abbess and saint. Name variations: Bucge, Bugga, Bugge; Eadburg; Eadburga, Eadburgh, Eadburh, Edberga, Edburga or Edburga of Minster-in-Thanet, Edburge; Edburgh; Edburgh of Thanet; Heaburg, Idaberga. Born in Kent, England; died 751 at Minster-in-Thanet Abbey; only dau. of Kenwyn or Centwine, king of Wessex (r. 676–685, died 685) and Engyth.

Benedictine nun and student of Saint Mildred, whom she probably succeeded as abbess of Minster-in-Thanet Abbey (716); secured several royal charters for the abbey and built a new church there; was a friend and correspondent with St. Boniface; with mother, wrote a letter to Boniface describing administrative problems in their religious community; also was a scribe and calligrapher. Feast day is Dec 13.