Hild of Streoneshalh (Hilda of Whitby) 614 - 680
Hild was founder of the monastery of Streonshalh, later renamed Whitby by Viking invaders, in present-day North Yorkshire.
Bede describes Hild as a woman of great energy, skilled administrator and teacher. Renowned for her knowledge and spiritual power, she offered counsel and advice to kings, commanding a level of prestige and authority usually reserved for (male) bishops.
Since the late nineteenth century, there has been a revival of interest in Hild. With the development of education for women, she has become the patron of many schools and colleges around the world, such as the College of St Hild and St Bede in Durham and St Hilda's College, Oxford.
One of a set of eight images from Red Saunders’ Hidden Project.
The Hidden Project
The Hidden Project recreates great moments in the long struggle of working people for democracy and social justice. The aim of the project, through reimagining those events, is to reproduce important historic scenes involving the dissenters, revolutionaries, radicals and non-conformists who have so often been hidden from history.
Tony Benn, Patron of the Hidden Project, says “Those who see these photographic representations will then be able to identify with past generations and gain confidence from the knowledge that they are part of a world-wide movement that has always existed and must be sustained.”
Red Saunders is a professional photographer who combines his photographic practice with cultural, musical and political activism.
Images copyright Red Saunders 2011. Retouching by Adrian Hayes.
Further information, reading list and full credit list of supporters and volunteers on ‘The Hidden Project’ go to the website: www.redsaundersphoto.eu.
