Saint Bathilde

illustration of Saint Bathild dispensing alms to the poor; taken from 'Pictoria Lives of the Saints', 1892 Also known as

Baldechilde
Baldhild
Bathild
Bathildes
Bathildis
Bauteur

Memorial

30 January

Profile

Kidnapped in her youth from her native England and sold into slavery in France to Erkenwald, the Mayor of the Palace of King Clovis II. When grown, she was placed in charge of the household. Married King Clovis II in 649. Queen. Mother of three sons, all of whom became kings: Clotaire III, Childeric II and Thierry I. She used her royal position to protect the Church, and help the poor. Widowed in 655. Regent. Upon taking her late husband’s power, she immediately forbade the enslavement of Christians. Endowed religious houses, including Chells Abbey, and helped the work of Saint Eligius. In 665, when her son Clotaire was 15, she handed the throne over to him, and entered Chelles Abbey, spending the rest of her life in prayer and care of the sick.