Osith (died c. 700)

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Osith (died c. 700)

English saint and nun. Name variations: Saint Osith, Osyth or Osgith. Born at Quarendon, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamsire, England; died c. 700; dau. of Frithuwold, Mercian sub-king of Surrey, and Wilburga (dau. of Penda of Mercia and Cynewise); niece of Edburga of Bicester and Edith of Aylesbury.

Spent childhood in the care of her maternal aunts; was engaged to Sighere, king of Essex, but opted to become a nun; parents built her a church and monastery (St. Osiths) in Essex; was beheaded during a Dane raid, for not renouncing her religion.