St. Edmund the Martyr
King and Defender of the Faith
"I stand for the truth even in death."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- England
- Gender:
- Male
- Vocation:
- Laity
- Birth:
- 841
- Feast Day:
- Nov 20
- Death:
- 870
Saint Details
St. Edmund the Martyr was a king of East Anglia from about 855 until his death in 869. Born around 841, Edmund was acclaimed king on Christmas Day 855 at the age of 14. He ruled with Christian dignity and justice, known for his piety and proficiency in reciting the Psalms. In 869, the Great Heathen Army invaded East Anglia, and Edmund was captured by the Danish Vikings. Refusing to renounce his Christianity, he was subjected to torture and eventually beheaded on November 20, 869, in Hoxne, Suffolk. His remains were later moved to Beodricesworth (now Bury St. Edmunds) in 903, where they became a significant pilgrimage site. The Abbey of St. Edmund was founded in the early 11th century, with King Cnut contributing to its establishment. Edmund's cult flourished during the Middle Ages, and he was recognized as a patron saint of England alongside Edward the Confessor. Although the exact date of his canonization is not well-documented, his legacy as a martyr and saint has endured. The shrine at Bury St. Edmunds became one of the wealthiest and most famous pilgrimage sites in England until its destruction in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries. St. Edmund's legacy continues to be celebrated in Bury St. Edmunds, where he remains a revered figure in local history and faith.
Associated Holy Sites
Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmunds, Bury Saint Edmunds, UK
Details for: Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmunds Abbey, located in Suffolk, England, is a historic site of great religious significance. It was once one of the most powerful and wealthy Benedictine monasteries in medieval England. The abbey was founded in the 11th century and became a major pilgrimage destination due to its association with Saint Edmund, the martyred King of East Anglia. Saint Edmund was killed by Viking invaders in the 9th century, and his remains were later enshrined at the abbey, attracting pilgrims seeking spiritual solace and miracles. The abbey played a central role in English religious and political history, including hosting the barons who swore an oath to force King John to sign the Magna Carta in 1214. Today, the ruins of the abbey, managed by English Heritage, offer visitors a glimpse into its grandeur and spiritual legacy. Pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike are drawn to its serene atmosphere and the enduring connection to Saint Edmund.
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