Tortgith

Tortgith (Theorigitha) (d. 681), nun of Barking. Friend and companion of Ethelburga, foundress of Barking, Tortgith, conspicuous for humility, zeal, and care for the young, became mistress of novices. After several years she became ill with paralysis for six years (669–75) and experienced a vision of Ethelburga just before the latter's death. Three years later, after losing her power of speech as well as the use of her limbs, she experienced another vision and this time conversed with her. Her words but not those of Ethelburga were recorded by witnesses and sent to Bede. The conversation concerned the time of Tortgith's imminent death. Feast: 26 January.

Bibliography
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• Bede, H.E., iv. 9; Stanton, p. 36