Christina of Markyate was a 12th-century English woman who wanted to live as a virgin dedicated to Christ. Nonetheless, under familial and community pressure she consented to marry Burthred, a wealthy young nobleman. She then sought to convince her husband Burthred to have a sexless marriage with her. With the help of other men, Christina escaped her marriage and controlled her sexual desire for men. The Life of Christina of Markyate has survived in only one manuscript, British Museum MS. Cotton Tiberius E.1.
Despite extensive social support for hating men, few women today are likely to be able to imitate Christina of Markyate in remaining perpetually virgin. … Read the post virgin Christina of Markyate perceived manly beauty & sexuality
Learning from Valerian’s experience of sexless marriage, husbands should seek an angel lover and strive to imitate Cecilia, a widely celebrated saint. … Read the post Valerian saw and respected Cecilia's angel lover
Sueno, Eadwin, and Loric helped the wealthy elite woman Christina of Markyate realize her choice of a life of poverty and virginity. … Read the post Sueno, Eadwin & Loric help privileged virgin realize her choice
Abbot Geoffrey of St. Albans provides material resources to Christina of Markyate and she instructs him morally. That’s a paradigmatic gender relation. … Read the post men's inferiority in the life of Christina of Markyate