Edith (c. 961–984)

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Edith (c. 961–984)

West Saxon nun and saint. Name variations: Saint Edith; Eadgyth. Born around 961 in Kemsing, Kent, England; died on September 16, 984, in Wilton, Wiltshire, England; illegitimate daughter of Edgar (944–975), king of the English (r. 959–975), and Wulfthryth (c. 945–1000, his mistress).

Edith was born in Kemsing, Kent, around 961, the illegitimate daughter of Edgar, king of the English, and his mistress Wulfthryth . Wulfthryth retired to the monastery of Wilton, where Edith was raised and took the veil. Edith remained in the monastery until her death, at age 23, in 984. Her feast day is on September 16.

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