St Helena, mother of Constantine the Great and legendary finder of the True Cross, was appropriated in the middle ages as a British saint. The rise and persistence of this legend harnessed Helena's imperial and sacred status to portray her as a romance heroine, source of national pride, and a legitimising link to imperial Rome. This study is the first to examine the origins, development, political exploitation and decline of this legend, tracing its momentum and adaptive power from Anglo-Saxon England to the twentieth century. Using Latin, English, and Welsh texts, as well as church dedications and visual arts, the author examines the positive effect of the British legend on the cult of St Helena and the reasons for its wide appeal and durability in both secular and religious contexts. Two previously unpublished 'vitae' of St Helena are included in the volume: a Middle English verse 'vita' from the 'South English Legendary', and a Latin prose 'vita' by the twelfth-century hagiographer, Jocelin of Furness. ANTONINA HARBUS is a Research Fellow in the Department of English, University of Sydney.

Expertly traces the evolution of the legend. A thorough, acute and well-written survey, which constitutes a definitive guide to the whole Helena tradition.'

Source: The Expository Times

A useful addition to the studies of medieval heroes and legendary figures. It offers an excellent introduction to the historiography of Helena and how her work reflects the development of Christian Europe.'

Source: Parergon

Fascinating... What comes across most forcefully is the way both the woman and the legend were appropriated by a series of male authors and rulers... Well-written, informative and rovocative.'

Source: Medieval Feminist Forum