Mildthryth was an Anglo-Saxon abbess who lived during the 7th and 8th centuries. As the daughter of King Merewalh of Magonsaete and Domne Eafe, she belonged to a royal lineage with significant connections to the Merovingian rulers of Gaul. After receiving an education at the royal abbey of Chelles, she joined the monastery at Minster-in-Thanet, which her mother had founded. By 694, she had risen to the position of abbess, leading the Benedictine community until her death at the abbey.
Life and lineage
Born into a royal family with ties to the Kentish monarchy, Mildthryth was part of a family of several saints, including her sisters Milburga and Mildgyth. Her maternal relatives maintained strong links to Gaul, a connection reflected in her education and subsequent dedications in the Pas-de-Calais region. She served as the leader of the community at Minster-in-Thanet, where she was eventually buried in the Abbey Church of St Mary.
Veneration and relics
Following her death, her remains were moved to a new church built by her successor, Eadburg. Her shrine attracted many pilgrims, establishing her as a beloved local patron. In 1030, despite local resistance, her relics were transferred to St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury. Some of her remains were also sent to Deventer in the Netherlands during the 11th century. She is commemorated on July 13.