One of the most celebrated of early Roman martyrs, Agnes is also one of the least well-documented. all that is known of her for certain is that she was killed for her faith, that she was buried beside Rome’s Via Nomentana and that a church was built over her grave in c. 354.

Credits: PA; Author: PA;

According to a letter, fifth-century account of her martyrdom, she was 13 years old when she refused to marry, declaring that she was dedicated to Christ and preferred death to losing her virginity. She offered herself as a martyr and was executed in the Roman manner by being stabbed in the throat. Her youthfulness and courage have made her one of the most popular saints and of her chastity, she is the patron of young girls.