The Princess who hid in a Tree

Based on legend and set in Oxford, this book tells the story of Saint Frideswide, daughter of a Saxon King and Queen. Adventurous and brave as a child she grew up to be kind, gentle and talented. When news reached nearby kingdoms of her beauty and kindness kings and princes sought her hand in marriage. But Frideswide did not want to marry, she had plans to found a church instead. However one suitor was persistent declaring he would attack Oxford and kidnap Frideswide if she resisted. There follows an adventure in which the princess and her friends escape her pursuers by boat, sheltering with animals in a barn and hiding in a tree. An ability to perform miracles emerges when Frideswide’s prayers and songs produce a much-needed stream of fresh water, later apparent again when she returns to Oxford to face her would be captor.

This is an interesting account of a little-known story with a strong female protagonist. The illustrations, traditional in style, attractively complement the text. For those wishing to find out more about this story the back of the book includes additional information on its historical background.