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Ethelbert was the son of Eormenric; great-grandson of Hengist, Saxon conqueror of Britain. He was raised as a pagan worshipper of Odin. He was the King of Kent (in modern England) in 560. He was defeated by Ceawlin of Wessex at the battle of Wimbledon in 568, ending his attempt to rule all of Britain. He married the Christian Bertha, daughter of Charibert, King of the Franks; they had three children, including Saint Ethelburgh of Kent. He converted to Christianity, and was baptized by Saint Augustine of Canterbury in 597; his example led to the baptism of 10,000 of his countrymen within a few months, and he supported Augustine in his missionary work with land, finances and influence. He issued the first written laws to the English people in 604.
Born
- 552
Died
- 24 February 616 at Canterbury, England of natural causes
- buried in the side chapel of Saint Martin in the abbey church of Saints Peter and Paul
- relics later translated to Canterbury
Canonized
- Pre-Congregation
Source: https://catholicsaints.info/saint-ethelbert-of-kent/
