Edburga

This name derives from the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) “Ēadburg,” composed of two Ancient Germanic elements: “*audaz” (prosperity, fortune, riches, wealth) plus “*berganą / *burgz” (to take care, to preserve, to protect, to save, to help, to rescue / fortification, stronghold, fortified city, castle). In turn, the name means “prosperity and wealth in the fortified castle.” One of several monastic women who corresponded with Boniface and with Lul, Eadburg was abbess of the monastery of Minster on the Isle of Thanet in Kent, the immediate successor to Saint Mildred. Their letters span at least three decades, from c.716 to the mid 740s. Eadburg was reputed to be zealous in the pursuit of knowledge and an effective abbess who secured several royal charters for her house. 2) Eadburh of Bicester (often Edburga) was an English saint from the 7th century. A daughter of King Penda of Mercia, Edburga was a nun for most of her life. 3) Saint Eadburh was the daughter of King Edward, the Elder of England, and his third wife, Eadgifu of Kent.