Saint Blida

Saint Blida (also known as Saint Blithe) is believed to have lived and died in East Anglia during the Middle Ages. It is thought she was a princess in the region and was buried during the 11th century in the Norfolk village of Martham, with a chapel historically being dedicated to her there.[1]

Saint Blida is also known as the mother of Saint Walstan, who was born in the Norfolk village of Bawburgh or the Suffolk village of Blythburgh.[2] Saint Walstan reputedly gave up his inheritance aged 12 and entered into the service of a farmer in the village of Taverham.[3] Her son became known for his charity and miracles and is particularly associated with farm workers and animals, often being depicted with a scythe.

Although Saint Blida has no known feast day, a number of bequests were made to her. One of these bequests is said to have been made in 1522 by Richard Fullere of Norwich, who was a tanner and gave 10 shillings for repairing the church where she lay.[4] Nowadays, there is a prayer corner honouring her in the south aisle chapel of Martham Church.[5]

Daisy Whymark, NRO Research Blogger