Lives to Inspire: Hilda of Whitby

Hilda lived in times of tribal warfare. She was brought up in the court of King Edwin of Northumbria after her father was murdered and baptised when Edwin and his whole court converted to Christianity. She left Northumbria when Edwin died in battle but was later persuaded to return as a nun in the Iona tradition by Aidan of Lindisfarne.

She became the founding Abbess of Whitby, which was a ‘double abbey’ of men and women. In the Celtic world, these were usually led by an Abbess. Because of its prestige, Whitby was chosen as the venue of a Synod held to settle contentious differences between the Roman and Celtic churches. Hilda spoke passionately for reconciliation, but the Roman rules championed by Saint Wilfrid were adopted. Although disappointed, she graciously led her community through the consequent changes.

The Venerable Bede described Hilda as a woman of great energy, devotion and grace, who was a skilled administrator and teacher. She fostered trades and used the arts in worship. She recognised the gifts of Caedmon, an illiterate cowherder, who is now known as the first named English poet.

Books about Saint Hilda