Christina of Markyate (1096–1160)

English recluse and prioress. Name variations: Saint Theodora, Christina the Recluse. Born Theodora in 1096 in England; died in 1160 in Markyate, England; dau. of Aute of Huntingdonshire (Anglo-Saxon noble).

Recluse and religious visionary for whom a priory was built in Markyate, resisted overtures of Rannulf Flambard, bishop of Durham, from 1099; refused to consummate marriage to a friend of Flambard, a noble named Burthred, citing vow of chastity and intention to become a nun; suffered persecution from family and legal proceedings by Church for sexual rebuff of husband; escaped and ran away, staying with nearby anchoress Alfwen in Flamstead for 2 years; took refuge in cell at Markyate under protection of monk Roger the Hermit at St. Albans, who became her spiritual mentor; eventually released from marital vows by a dejected Burthred; famed as a spiritual advisor, was invited to lead communities in many parts of England and France but took monastic vows instead (1131); 4 years after her arrival, inherited Roger's hut upon his death and was taken under protection of archbishop of York; served as spiritual advisor to Geoffrey of Gorham (aka Geoffrey of Dunstable) who founded community at Markyate for her; took part in Church struggles against King Stephen out of loyalty to Geoffrey; attracted large gathering of women to community, necessitating building of priory (1145); sent embroidery to English Pope Adrian IV (1155); was subject of biography probably written by chaplain serving community (1150s). Her community survived until the reign of Henry VIII.

See also C.H. Talbot ed., The Life of Christina of Markyate, a Twelfth Century Recluse (Oxford, 1959).