St. Ethelbert of Kent

Ethelbert was the son of Eormenric; great-grandson of Hengist, Saxon conqueror of Britain. He was raised as a pagan worshipper of Odin. He ruled as King of Kent in 560, but was defeated by Ceawlin of Wessex at the battle of Wimbledon in 568, ending his attempt to rule all of Britain. He married the Christian Bertha, daughter of Charibert, King of the Franks; they had three children, including Saint Ethelburgh of Kent. He became a convert to Christianity, baptized by Saint Augustine of Canterbury in 597; his example led to the baptism of 10,000 of his countrymen within a few months, and he supported Augustine in his missionary work with land, finances and influence. He is also responsible for the first written laws to the English people in 604. His memorial is kept on February 24.