St Milburgh

Milburgh (sometimes Milburga or Midburh) was the second abbess of Wenlock Priory.  She lived in the early  eight century and died sometime after 716.  Her father was Merewalh, who ruled an area that covered the modern counties of Herefordshire and Shropshire.  Her mother was Dome Eafe,  a Christian princess from modern Kent.  Milburgh's family were noted for their piety, and she and her two sisters were liked to the three theological virtues  of faith, hope and charity.

Milburgh was thought to have the gift of healing, particularly in relation to blindness.  Her closeness to the natural world is also well documented, and it is said that she had power over wild animals and especially birds.  

Her feast day is February 23rd, which is believed to be the date of her death.