![]() ![]() Not all of the successors to the converted Anglo-Saxon kings were Christian, including some of those that followed Æthelberht in Kent. Christianity continued to spread throughout the other English kingdoms in the years that followed St Augustine’s first mission, but its progression was not smooth. It is known that Augustine died on 26 May, though scholars still argue over whether the year was 604 or perhaps 609. Augustine became the first Archbishop of Canterbury, a role that to this day is still the most senior cleric in the Church of England. Augustine and his companions held services in the ancient church of St Martin’s, which is believed to be the church that Queen Bertha herself worshipped in.Įventually, King Æthelberht did convert, and the abbey of St Peter and Paul (later rededicated to St Augustine) was founded in Canterbury in about 598. They were given freedom to preach and invited to reside in Canterbury, the capital of Kent. King Æthelberht did not immediately convert to Christianity, but he did treat Augustine and his companions with hospitality. She is known to have been in contact with the Pope around this time, and the fact that her husband allowed her to practise Christianity perhaps suggested that he might also be sympathetic to Augustine’s mission. It is thought that the presence of Bertha may have been another reason for Augustine to begin his mission in Kent. ![]() Bertha was a Frankish princess who was already a Christian, despite her marriage to a pagan king. King Æthelberht was most likely accompanied by his wife, Queen Bertha. ![]()
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