Chosen as handmaid to Eostre, the Saxon goddess, Hild would spend a year serving the goddess before she was wed. Her future was mapped out - until her father was murdered, and King Edwin claimed her as kin. Hild's first love was given a key command in Edwin's forces, and vanished from her life, wed to her elder sister. That same day, the court was baptised, ending the people's fertility religion and Hild's role. Life looked bleak - even more so when the husband to whom she was given was killed, along with her child. Hild resented the compulsory baptism, but became intrigued by the Iona priests, and eventually converted. Aidan, the charismatic figure who taught, and lived, a new kind of love, persuaded Hild to help spread the new faith. In thanks for a significant victory, King Oswy ordered her to found one of his new monasteries at Whitby. She would see the men she trained appointed by the Pope as missionary bishops, carrying the faith across Britain.

Hild set up three mixed monasteries, fostered learning, and became the first woman to teach men. This tells her dramatic story.

About the Author
Jill Dalladay was a classicist, historian and former head teacher who pioneered the Cambridge Latin course. She lived in Whitby and sadly passed away in 2019.

Reviews
"Jill Dalladay has presented us with a well crafted novel about one of the most enigmatic women in early Christian times in England. Hild was abbess and teacher at Whitby and is today venerated as a saint. From her pagan upbringing to her conversion to Christianity, her story is presented with a sharp eye for historic detail together with finely drawn characters. This is skilful and accomplished writing." -- Peter Tremayne, author of The Sister Fidelma Mysteries



Book Information
ISBN 9781782641544
Author Jill Dalladay
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Lion Fiction
Publisher SPCK Publishing