In spite of the impact of Cardinal Wollsey and Henry VIII, this cathedral has a feminine presence. That probably has to do with Frideswide. She was the daughter of a Saxon King, and her only desire in life was to have a little abbey of her own. However, a suitor followed her around-essentially stalking her- with the wish to marry her. His miraculous blinding was thought to come from God through her, and she later performed other miracles including bringing back sight to a child. She got her abbey and apparently lived happily ever after and was venerated here. Wollsey tore her abbey down and built what was to be the biggest and best cathedral ever, but he died. That Frideswide!
This woman was the benefactor of the meadow behind Christ church and made it possible for a little walk in the country while in town.
KG
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