Episode 1899: St Ethelbert King of Kent

St. Ethelbert, King of Kent: A Biography
Early Life and Rise to Power:

Born around 550, son of Eormenric, King of Kent.
Ascended the throne around 589, establishing himself as a powerful ruler.
Married Bertha, daughter of the Christian Frankish King Charibert, in 568. This marriage brought Christianity to Kent, though Ethelbert remained pagan initially.
Conversion to Christianity:

In 597, Pope Gregory the Great sent Augustine and a group of missionaries to Kent to convert the Anglo-Saxons.
Ethelbert, impressed by Augustine's peaceful approach and influenced by Bertha's faith, converted to Christianity in 597, becoming the first English king to do so.
This conversion had a profound impact on the spread of Christianity throughout England.
Reign as a Christian King:

Ethelbert actively supported the Christianization of his kingdom. He:
Granted Augustine land in Canterbury to establish a church (later Canterbury Cathedral).
Built other churches and monasteries, including St. Peter's and St. Paul's in Canterbury and St. Andrew's in Rochester.
Enacted laws that protected the Church and promoted Christian practices.
Influenced other Anglo-Saxon kings, such as Sebert of Essex and Redwald of East Anglia, to convert to Christianity.
Legacy:

Ethelbert's reign marked a turning point in English history, laying the foundation for the spread of Christianity and the development of a unified English identity.
He is revered as a saint in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, celebrated on February 24th or 25th.
His role in establishing Christianity remains a significant aspect of English history and culture.
Additional Points:

Despite his conversion, Ethelbert didn't force his subjects to convert, allowing them to choose their faith.
He enacted laws that were considered just and wise, earning respect even from those who remained pagan.
His reign was marked by relative peace and prosperity, further solidifying his legacy.