St Modwen was a religious woman venerated for her virginity and her eremitical life.

She lived as a hermit on the island-meadow of Andressey on the river Trent. Her name suggests she was born of Irish stock, and it is likely she was associated with a group of Irish monks and hermits who worked during the 7th Century for the conversion of Anglo-Saxons.

She is remembered as foundress of Burton abbey. That Abbey was suppressed in 1539. The buildings were demolished and replaced by a new church, St Modwen’s  during the 1720s.

St Modwen was adopted as patron for the restored Catholic parish for which the church of St Mary and St Modwen was built in 1879. 

The memory of St Modwen is kept on the 5th July.

Father,
your love at work in the heart of St Modwen
prompted her to leave her native land
to seek you in silence and solitude.
May her example help us to listen to your voice
and to follow your will.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
​
Photographs (c) 2026, Allen Morris

Events from the life of St Modwen, Church of St Mary and St Modwen, Burton.

St Modwen. Statue outisde church of St Mary and St Modwen, Burton.

The river Trent and, to the left, the island-meadow of Andressey.