St Hilda's Character

Bede describes Hilda as a woman of great energy, who was a skilled administrator and teacher. She gained such a reputation for wisdom that even kings and princes sought her advice, but she also had a concern for ordinary folk like Caedmon. He was a cowherd at the monastery, who was inspired in a dream to sing verses in praise of God. Hilda recognised his gift and encouraged him to develop it. Although Hilda must have had a strong character, she inspired affection. As Bede writes, “ All who knew her, called her mother, because of her outstanding devotion and grace.”

St Hilda is generally depicted with a pastoral staff and carrying an abbey church. Often, there are ammonites at her feet.

Legend tells of a plague of snakes which St. Hilda turned to stone supposedly explaining the presence of ammonite fossils on the shore at Whitby

St Hilda's Priory Woodcarving
which is a copy of a stone statue
in Beverley Minster

Caedmon depicted on the cross in the churchyard of Whitby Parish Church.


	Fragment of Caedmon’s poetry Now we must praise the Maker of heaven The might of the Creator, the deeds of the Father. He, the author of marvels, first created The heavens as a roof for all people, Then the Almighty Guardian of the human race Created the earth.