Balthild of Chelles
Balthild (c. 626 – 30 January 680) (/ˈbɔːltɪld/; Old English: Bealdhild, 'bold sword' or 'bold spear), also spelled Bathilda, Bauthieult or Baudour, was queen consort of Neustria and Burgundy by marriage to Clovis II, the King of Neustria and Burgundy (639–658), and regent during the minority of her son, Chlothar III. Her hagiography was intended to further her successful candidature for sainthood.
Saint Balthild | |
|---|---|
A medieval depiction of Balthild | |
| Born | 626 or 627 |
| Died | 30 January 680 (aged 52–54) |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Orthodox Church |
| Canonized | c. 860 by Pope Nicholas I |
| Major shrine | Abbey of Chelles outside of Paris |
| Feast | The new Roman martyrology says her feast day is January 30, as it was celebrated in France. |
Tradition represents her as an Anglo-Saxon who was originally of noble birth, perhaps a relative of Ricberht of East Anglia, the last pagan king of East Anglia, although Pierre Fournet regards this as doubtful. Ricberht was ousted by Sigeberht, who had spent time as an exile in the Frankish court, during which he had converted to Christianity. Sigeberht was established as the rightful heir to the throne with Frankish help.