Saint Frideswide (c. 650 – October 19, 727) was (according to legend) daughter of King Didan and Safrida. She founded a church near Oxford, but Prince Aelfgar of Mercia decided to marry her. She refused his advances, hiding from him in a tub in the forest. When she returned to Oxford, Aelfgar besieged her until he was struck blind. St Frideswide's Priory, a medieval Augustinian house which became Christ Church, Oxford following the dissolution of the monasteries is claimed to be the site of her abbey and relics, although this is under debate.

Saint Frideswide is the Patron Saint of Oxford. Her feast day is October 19. In art, she is depicted holding the pastoral staff of an abbess, a fountain springing up near her and an ox at her feet. The fountain probably represents the holy well at Binsey.

She is also known as Friðuswiþ (Frithuswith), Frevisse or Fris. In Old English, Friðe = peace, swiþ = strength.

650 births | 727 deaths | Anglo-Saxon saints | History of Oxford | Oxonians

Frideswide