St Frideswide's Day

Gather with us on St Frideswide's day to celebrate the life and legacy of Oxford's patron saint.

Saint Frideswide was an Anglo-Saxon princess who lived at the turn of the 8th century. The religious community that she founded on this place marks the beginning of the history of both our foundation and our city. Her name is a modern form of the Old English name Friðuswiþ, meaning 'strong peace'. While no contemporary accounts survive of her life, legend hails her as a teacher, leader and healer who dedicated her life in service to God. 

Both our morning Eucharist at 11.05 and Solemn Evensong at 6.05 will feature a procession to the reconstructed medieval shrine of St Frideswide, a site of pilgrimage and prayer since the 1200s, with our evening procession also containing an opportunity to lay a sprig of rosemary at the shrine (rosemary provided). Our Regius Professor of Divinity, The Revd Canon Professor Andrew Davison, will preach to us in the morning about the life and example of St Frideswide. In recognition of Christ Church's 500th Anniversary year, the choir will sing Ben Parry's Wolsey Mass, composed for the 550th anniversary of the birth of the Cardinal who refounded St Frideswide's Priory as Cardinal's College in 1525. All are very welcome to join us and stay for refreshments after.

Feature Image: St Frideswide (2024) - Linocut by Sally Anne Stewart