Kent: Remains of Anglo Saxon saint discovered

St Eanswythe

Archaologists believe they have discovered the remains of an Anglo Saxon saint at a church in Kent.

Bones dating back to the seventh century are almost certainly those of St Eanswythe, who was the daughter of an Anglo-Saxon king. The relics survived the Reformation, hidden in a cavity in the wall of the Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe in Folkestone . They were originally discovered in 1885.

Kent archaeologists and historians, working with Queen's University in Belfast, made the announcement at a special event at the church on Friday evening to mark the start of British Science Week 2020.

Eanswythe is the patron saint of Folkestone. She founded one of the earliest monastic communities in England, around AD 660 on the Bayle - the overlooked historic centre of the town. Her grandfather, King Ethelbert was the first English king to convert to Christianity under Saint Augustine.

Dr Andrew Richardson, FSA, from the Canterbury Archaeological Trust, described the discovery as: "a stunning result of national importance. It now looks highly probable that we have the only surviving remains of a member of the Kentish royal house, and of one of the earliest Anglo-Saxon saints… There is more work to be done to realise the full potential of this discovery. But certainly the project represents a wonderful conjunction not only of archaeology and history, but also of a continuous living faith tradition at Folkestone from the mid-seventh century down to the present day."

Rev Dr Lesley Hardy, director of the Finding Eanswythe project, said: "As you walk through the streets of Folkestone, you are walking, layer upon layer, over ancient history that is now largely hidden from view. Finding Eanswythe was about bringing that forgotten history back to the surface."

Reflecting on the spiritual significance of this find, the Rev Dr John Walker of St Mary and St Eanswythe Church said: "St Eanswythe's life vibrates with prayerfulness, compassion and openness to the needs and contribution of others. Her presence with us calls us to embody these qualities too."

LINKS

Finding Eanswythe project website: https://findingeanswythe.uk/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/findingeanswythe/