St Mellitus was a member of Pope Gregory’s mission to England who arrived in the second wave of missionaries in 602. He was ordained the first Bishop of London in 604 by St Augustine; but he had to flee when, about 617, both King Ethelbert and Saebert the first Christian King of Essex died, both being his patrons and protectors. and London, being the capital of the Kingdom of Essex, reverted to paganism.
St Mellitus baptised the King of Essex but none of his sons followed his example.
After a time in exile Mellitus returnded to England to become the third bishop of Canterbury after St Augustine and Lawrence. He wrought a great miracle in stopping a fire from burning Canterbury.This was about 619. He died in 624.
