Cyneburg of Mercia (fl. 655)

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Cyneburg of Mercia (fl. 655)

Abbess of Castor. Name variations: Cyniburg; St. Cuneburga. Eldest dau. of Penda, king of Mercia, and Cynewise; married Alcfrith or Alchfrith of Deira, sub-king of Deira and son of King Oswiu of Northumbria, in c. 651; children: at least 6, including St. Cyneburg of Gloucester (c. 660–710), St. Edburga of Gloucester (d. 735), St. Weeda of Gloucester, Eva of Gloucester, St. Rumwold, and Osric of Northumbria (d. 729).

A pious Christian, was responsible with husband for the building of the monastery of Ripon and a smaller one at Stamford; was present at the Conference of Whitby (664); became abbess at Castor, near Peterborough in Northamptonshire, and was probably its founder.