Bede link theory on story of Cinderella.

Byline: By Tony Henderson

The original Cinderella story may have been preserved by the writings of one of Europe's greatest scholars who lived on the banks of the Tyne.

The Venerable Bede, who lived at Jarrow monastery, recorded how an English girl called Bathildis had been kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Seventh Century.

She ended up in France as a lowly servant at the bottom of the social hierarchy in the household of King Clovis II.

But her gentle, dignified and caring nature shone through and she eventually married the king. Pearl Saddington, who works at Bede's World in Jarrow, always remembered the story from her studies of Anglo-Saxon history at Newcastle University.

Pearl contacted the Vision youth theatre group in South Shields with the idea of staging a Cinderella pantomime based on Bathildis, who became a saint. Now the Anglo-Saxon panto will be performed at Bede's World at 5pm on December 27 and 28 by Vision, whose members range in age from 10 to 24.

Pearl said: "The tale of St Bathildis is 1,300 years old and maybe the rags to riches Cinderella story originated from this source.

"Her experiences could very well have been the basis for Cinderella. Bathildis is buried on the outskirts of Paris at the Abbey of Chelles ( and that's very close to the home of Cinderella, Euro-Disney." The cruel Ugly Sisters may also not simply be a theatrical addition. "As a slave servant Bathildis would have had a rough time," said Pearl.

Sandie Malia, artistic director of Vision, said: "Bathildis would have suffered but she comes through it all and becomes the heroine of the piece. She starts from humble beginnings and in the end marries the king. It's the original Cinderella."

The panto has been written by Bede's World staff member Peter Webb.

Kayleigh Malia, 18, this week, who is studying drama at Newcastle Academy, plays Bathildis. She said: "It's like a fairy story ( the slave girl who became queen ( but this is a real person."

Bathildis was sold into slavery in France to Erkenwald, who was in charge of the household of King Clovis II. She came to the attention of the king who married her in 649. She bore him three sons who all became kings.

She used her power to protect the church and help the poor. In 665, she entered the Convent of Chelles, on the edge of Paris and died there in 680, aged about 50.

Vision operates from The Cave performing arts centre at Tyne Dock. Book tickets on [phone] ( pounds 4.50 adults, pounds 3 concessions, family pounds 10.

Tickets also include free admission to the museum and farm on the Tuesday and Wednesday December 28, where living history group Theod, dressed in Anglo-Saxon costumes, will be in residence.