St Hilda of Whitby, or Hild, (the correct Anglo-Saxon name meaning battle), was born in 614AD into the Royal house of Northumbria. St Hilda of Whitby was a Christian saint and the founding abbess of the monastery at Whitby in 657 AD, which was chosen as the venue for the Synod of Whitby.
At the time, Whitby Abbey was a double monastery and was the place of worship of monks and nuns, though they would have had separate quarters to live in.
Thanks to St Hilda, Whitby Abbey became one of the most influential religious houses and a centre for education in the country. Under Hilda’s careful guidance many great names of the early Church were established at Whitby; John of Beverley, the bishop of Hexham, and Wilfred, the great bishop of York, of whom were canonised. Hilda became famous for her steady hand and great wisdom. Kings and Princes consulted her on all manner of things. It is said that Hilda steered a steady ship, providing nurture for the local community around the Abbey.