Little is known about Botolph of Thorney's life. He was born in the early 600s to Saxon noble parents. He and his brother Adulph were educated at Cnobheresberg monastery by Saint Fursey. Both went onto become Benedictines abroad. Botolph returned to England and was granted land to build a monastery, most likely at Iken in Norfolk.
Botolph died in 680 and his remains were transferred to Burgh to protect them from invading Danes. They were later transferred to a tomb at Bury St Edmunds on the orders of King Cnut. Botolph became the patron saint of travellers. Four churches in London were dedicated to him all by the city's walls, three of which still exist. Over sixty churches in all are dedicated to him. Botolph also gave his name to the market town of Boston (and later the US city). His feast day is June 17th.
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| St Botolph's church in Apsley Guise |
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| Another view of the church |
