The relics of Saint Eanswythe, a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon princess and one of England’s earliest saints, have been returned to their original resting place in Folkestone. Hidden for centuries to escape destruction, her remains were rediscovered and studied, shedding new light on the life of this remarkable medieval figure.
Saint Eanswythe, the granddaughter of King Ethelbert, the first English monarch to convert to Christianity, founded one of the earliest monastic communities in England. Her relics were discovered in 1885 concealed within the Chancel Wall of St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church and were later confirmed to be hers through detailed osteological analysis in 2020.
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The return of the relics marks the conclusion of the “Finding Eanswythe” project, a multidisciplinary effort led by Canterbury Christ Church University in collaboration with Isle Heritage. Dr Lesley Hardy, one of the project leaders, explained that “the survival of Eanswythe’s relics hidden from destruction at the time of the Reformation, is a testimony to centuries of faith and the persistence of belief and memory even in dark times.”
A special ceremony at the church last weekend celebrated this momentous occasion, with Eanswythe’s remains now housed in a specially designed reliquary box. The event not only honoured the saint’s spiritual legacy but also reignited interest in her contributions, including her reputed miracle of creating an aqueduct to bring water uphill to Folkestone.
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Dr Ellie Williams of Canterbury Christ Church University, an osteologist for Finding Eanswythe, spoke on the importance of the project: “It has been a privilege to lead the osteological study of Eanswythe’s relics, and to be part of this incredible multidisciplinary team, that has identified what is thought to be the earliest verified remains of an English Saint. Together we have pieced together fragments of her story and brought to light a fuller biography of a young woman who achieved so much in her short life.
“The translation of her relics marks the end of a chapter of the Finding Eanswythe Project, but it’s also just the beginning of a new afterlife for Folkestone’s patron saint, as we continue to celebrate and explore her life and legacy.”
The team of academics, archaeologists, osteologists, and Members of the Finding Eanswythe Research Group examining the relics. Photo Credit: Matt Rowe
As one of the few English churches to house the remains of a patron saint, St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church now serves as a powerful link to England’s early Christian heritage. The project, funded by organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund and the De Haan Charitable Trust, continues to inspire both the local community and scholars exploring medieval history.
More pictures from Ss. Mary & Eanswythe, Folkestone. Admittedly this church has seen finer days (haven't they all?), but it was excellent to see a full church once more – standing room only on Sunday Evensong & Translation. Particularly like the various wall paintings. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/kvEy1CPkzl
The relics of Saint Eanswythe, a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon princess and one of England’s earliest saints, have been returned to their original resting place in Folkestone. Hidden for centuries to escape destruction, her remains were rediscovered and studied, shedding new light on the life of this remarkable medieval figure.
Saint Eanswythe, the granddaughter of King Ethelbert, the first English monarch to convert to Christianity, founded one of the earliest monastic communities in England. Her relics were discovered in 1885 concealed within the Chancel Wall of St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church and were later confirmed to be hers through detailed osteological analysis in 2020.
The return of the relics marks the conclusion of the “Finding Eanswythe” project, a multidisciplinary effort led by Canterbury Christ Church University in collaboration with Isle Heritage. Dr Lesley Hardy, one of the project leaders, explained that “the survival of Eanswythe’s relics hidden from destruction at the time of the Reformation, is a testimony to centuries of faith and the persistence of belief and memory even in dark times.”
A special ceremony at the church last weekend celebrated this momentous occasion, with Eanswythe’s remains now housed in a specially designed reliquary box. The event not only honoured the saint’s spiritual legacy but also reignited interest in her contributions, including her reputed miracle of creating an aqueduct to bring water uphill to Folkestone.
Dr Ellie Williams of Canterbury Christ Church University, an osteologist for Finding Eanswythe, spoke on the importance of the project: “It has been a privilege to lead the osteological study of Eanswythe’s relics, and to be part of this incredible multidisciplinary team, that has identified what is thought to be the earliest verified remains of an English Saint. Together we have pieced together fragments of her story and brought to light a fuller biography of a young woman who achieved so much in her short life.
“The translation of her relics marks the end of a chapter of the Finding Eanswythe Project, but it’s also just the beginning of a new afterlife for Folkestone’s patron saint, as we continue to celebrate and explore her life and legacy.”
As one of the few English churches to house the remains of a patron saint, St Mary and St Eanswythe’s Church now serves as a powerful link to England’s early Christian heritage. The project, funded by organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund and the De Haan Charitable Trust, continues to inspire both the local community and scholars exploring medieval history.
Top Image: Photo Credit: Matt Rowe
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