St Hild: A Northern Woman in Early Anglo-Saxon England and her Journey from Yeavering to Whitby

Join leading historian and author Michelle Brown for a fascinating exploration of the life and legacy of St Hild, one of the most remarkable women of early medieval England.

Of all those baptised in the River Glen at Yeavering in AD 627, the name of one woman has echoed through the centuries: Hild. A member of the Northumbrian royal family, she embraced Christianity as a young woman and went on to become one of the most influential figures of her age, founding the great monasteries of Hartlepool and Whitby and serving as adviser to kings, mentor to bishops, educator, healer, patron of art and poetry, and champion of the poor. 

Tracing Hild's journey from Yeavering to Whitby, this richly illustrated talk will explore faith, leadership, learning and the role of women in the golden age of Northumbria. Through the story of a single extraordinary individual, audiences will gain a unique insight into what women might aspire to in Bede's Britain and how one Northumbrian woman helped shape the spiritual and cultural life of a kingdom.

Image details: Bishop Aldhelm presenting his work to the nuns of Barking Abbey, Lambeth Palace Library, MS200, folio68v

Tea/coffee and shortbread are included in the ticket price and will be available from 5.30pm in the Den.

The lecture will take place in the Great Hall.

Click here to book

For anyone wishing to stay for dinner afterwards, tables can be reserved in the Beodern restaurant by following this link.