Bathilde

About Bathilde

Bathilde was an Anglo-Saxon slave who became Queen of France. Captured by pirates and sold into slavery, she was purchased by the mayor of the Frankish palace. King Clovis II married her around 649. As queen, Bathilde worked to abolish slavery and the slave trade, founded monasteries including Corbie and Chelles, and promoted Church reform. After Clovis's death, she served as regent, ruling wisely. When forced from power, she retired to Chelles Abbey, living humbly as a nun until her death.