This entry discusses Eangyth and her daughter Heahburg, or Bugga, who were part of the network of correspondents of Boniface, an eighth-century missionary and bishop. They were nuns and abbesses in southern England and wrote to Boniface in times of hardships, seeking shelter and advice from a good friend. Only one letter survives from Eangyth and Bugga and two from Bugga alone. We also have letters written by Boniface to Bugga and other letters that mention her. She met Boniface in Rome, exchanged books with him, and sent him gifts. These actions are evidence of the participation of Western monastic women in religious travel and the circulation of cultural goods during the eighth century. The letters are very emotional pieces of epistolary literature, written by highly educated women with knowledge of the Scriptures, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the work of Aldhelm of Malmesbury (639–709). Eangyth and Bugga, like other women from Boniface’s circle, used letter writing as a means to keep alive the bonds with their monastic companions, despite the distance and the feeling of exile and isolation.

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Eangyth and Bugga

  • Clarissa Mattana

摘要

This entry discusses Eangyth and her daughter Heahburg, or Bugga, who were part of the network of correspondents of Boniface, an eighth-century missionary and bishop. They were nuns and abbesses in southern England and wrote to Boniface in times of hardships, seeking shelter and advice from a good friend. Only one letter survives from Eangyth and Bugga and two from Bugga alone. We also have letters written by Boniface to Bugga and other letters that mention her. She met Boniface in Rome, exchanged books with him, and sent him gifts. These actions are evidence of the participation of Western monastic women in religious travel and the circulation of cultural goods during the eighth century. The letters are very emotional pieces of epistolary literature, written by highly educated women with knowledge of the Scriptures, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the work of Aldhelm of Malmesbury (639–709). Eangyth and Bugga, like other women from Boniface’s circle, used letter writing as a means to keep alive the bonds with their monastic companions, despite the distance and the feeling of exile and isolation.