St. Ethelreda (Audrey)
| Feast day | January 20 |
| Death | 250 |
St. Ethelreda, also known as St. Audrey, was a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon princess and abbess. She was born around 636 in Exning, Suffolk, and was the daughter of Anna, King of East Anglia¹². Ethelreda is renowned for her deep commitment to her faith and her role in founding the Abbey of Ely.
Despite being married twice, she maintained her vow of perpetual virginity. Her first marriage was to Tondberht, a local prince, and after his death, she married Ecgfrith, King of Northumbria. However, she eventually left her royal life to become a nun¹².
Ethelreda founded a double monastery at Ely in 673, which became a significant religious center. She is remembered for her piety and dedication to the church. Her feast day is celebrated on June 23rd²³.
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