Elfleda of Whitby

Venerable Elfleda of Whitby (654 to 714) was the daughter of King Oswiu of Northumbria and Queen Eanflaed. From childhood she was given to God at the convent of Hartlepool, and she then went to Whitby with Saint Hilda. After Hilda's repose in 680 she led the convent, first jointly with her mother and then alone. The community at Whitby was known for its sisters' skill in healing, and Elfleda was among the most influential people of her time. She reposed in the year 714. She is venerated as a saint of the undivided Church and is commemorated on 8 February (new calendar).