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Author Insight
King Edwin's Baptism
King Edwin, his household, and his supporters were baptized on Easter AD 627. The king built a church at York for the occasion, because York was where Roman soldiers elected Constantine their emperor, and Constantine was the first emperor to convert. No doubt Edwin liked the connection. He also liked the fact that every leader in Briton will see King Edwin's wealth and prestige, from the golden vessels on the altar to his own dazzling robes. Princess Hildeburg rejoices that she will be publicly recognized as part of King Edwin's household. In the recognition of all these connections. the baptism itself seems less important.
Book Excerpt
Saxon Heroines
Easter Morning
Hildeburg, Princess of Northumbria
So much has happened since last Easter: Princess Enfleda was born and baptized; King Edwin almost died, but God saved him; the old gods fled from Northumbria; and today, King Edwin and his household will be baptized in the new church—and everyone will see I’m part of the king’s household. The church will be beautiful with the hangings we’ve embroidered. I shift from foot to foot, waiting for Hereswid to fasten my torc.
“Hold still,” Hereswid says. “You’re jumping like a hare.”
The torc is thick, twisted gold. And I have golden armbands. They look well with my new tunic. I’m also wearing a headdress for the first time. It’s heavier than I expected and gives me a headache. Hereswid and I look like twins, except she’s slightly taller.
We walk to the King’s Hall, where the seneschal arranges us for the procession into the church.
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