1. Osgyth was a Mercian noblewoman and prioress, venerated as an English saint since the 8th century, from soon after her death.
11 Facts About Osgyth
1. 2.
Osgyth is primarily commemorated in the village of St Osyth, in Essex, near Colchester.
3.
Osgyth's mother was Wilburh, of the royal house of Mercia.
4.
Osgyth was forced by her father into a dynastic marriage with Sighere, King of Essex.
5.
Osgyth is likely the mother of Offa of Essex, although this is not certain.
6.
One day, St Edith sent Osgyth to deliver a book to St Modwenna of Northumbria at her nunnery.
7.
The abbesses were greatly concerned when they discovered Osgyth was apparently lost.
8.
Osgyth's cult was promoted by Maurice, bishop of London, where there was a shrine dedicated to her at St Paul's Cathedral.
9.
Osgyth obtained the relic of an arm for the monastery church.
10.
Osgyth's remains were buried in the chancel of the church in 1127: he bequeathed the church and tithes to the canons, who elected as their first abbot or prior William de Corbeil, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury.
11.
In 1397 the abbot of St Osgyth was granted the right to wear a mitre and give the solemn benediction, and, more singularly, the right to ordain priests, conferred by Pope Boniface IX.