Abban the Hermit is a Roman Catholic saint, once revered in Abingdon in Berkshire (now Oxfordshire), though little is known about his life outside of what is found in the Chronicon Monasterii de Abingdon.

He is supposed to have been an Irishman who settled on Boar's Hill near Abingdon, after the reign of King Vortigern in the 5th century. His hermitage attracted followers and, after his death, was superseded by the great Abbey in Abingdon itself.

His story is recorded in the Chronicon Monasterii de Abingdon which survives in a number of 13th century manuscripts, however it is generally recognised that his name was invented to explain the toponymy of Abingdon, which is really named after a female, Aebbe, best known for her church in Oxford.

His feast day was celebrated on May 13^[1]; it is not on the current liturgical calendar. No year of death is recorded. He is referenced in the Lives of the Irish Saints.^[1]

Notes

References

• Gelling, M (1974). The Place-Names of Berkshire (Part Two).
• Holweck, F. G. A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints. St. Louis, MO: B. Herder Book Co. 1924.
• Stenton, FM (1913). The Early History of the Abbey of Abingdon.
• Townsend, J (1910). A History of Abingdon.

External links

• Royal Berkshire History: St. Abban