The daughter of an East Anglian king, this revered Anglo-Saxon abbess, also known as Audrey, is honored liturgically as a virgin, though she was twice married. Etheldreda promised her virginity to God and, supported by St. Wilfrid, took the veil at Coldingham. About 672 on the Isle of Ely she founded a double monastery over which she presided until her death. Many marvels were attributed to her intercession, and “tawdry,” a corruption of St. Audrey, was coined for the showy trinkets sold at the annual fair held in her name.
