Died c. 694. Sebbe, king of the East Saxons (Essex, Hertfordshire, and
London) during the time of the Heptarchy, was the uncle of King Sighere
who married
Saint Osyth (f.d. October 7).
He sustained Bishop Jaruman
of Mercia in his evangelization of his people after the apostasy of
Sighere. After reigning for 30 years (664-694), Sebbe retired to London
where he lived as a hermit, known for his prayers, penance, and
almsgiving.
Saint Bede (f.d. May 26)
gives an account of his dignified
death. Sebbe was buried in Old Saint Paul's in London by the north
wall. He is reputed to have built the first monastery at Westminster
(
Attwater,
Benedictines,
Encyclopaedia,
Farmer).