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Alkmund of Derby

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St Alkmund's Sarcophagus, at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

Alcmund of Derby or of Lilleshall, also spelt Ealhmund, Alhmund, Alkmund, or Alchmund (d. c. 800) was son of Alhred of Northumbria. After more than twenty years in exile among the Picts as a result of Northumbrian dynastic struggles, he returned with an army. He was killed in about 800, in some way which is not now clear but for which King Eardwulf of Northumbria was held responsible. Whatever the exact circumstances, his death was regarded as a martyrdom, and Alcmund as a saint.[1]

Cross shaft from the defunct St. Alkmund's Church, Derby at Derby Museum and Art Gallery[2].

Alcmund was buried at Lilleshall in Shropshire, where miracles were reported at the tomb. Due to Danish raids, his body was translated to Derby, and St Alkmund's Church and its replacement were dedicated to him. The church was demolished in the 20th century and several earlier churches were revealled stretching back to the 9th century. Artefacts found included the stone sarcophagus.[3]

His feast day is 19 March.

See also

References

  1. ^ Signage at Derby Museum notes that he was recorded in the 9th century as being a Saint buried in the Minster beside the Derwent at a place called Northworthy - whose Viking name is Derby.
  2. ^ The museum's exhibit label says "Part of 9th-century Anglo Saxon stone cross which once stood at St. Alkmund's church, Derby. This stone was found when St Alkmund's church was rebuilt in 1844. The cross was originally about 4 metres tall. There are birds and beasts carved on all four sides."
  3. ^ Sarah Allard, Nicola Rippon (2003). Goodey's Derby (Paintings and Drawing in the Collection of Derby Museum & Art Gallery) p.134. Breedon Books Publishing Co Ltd. ISBN 978-1859833797. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
  • Grosjean, P., Codicis Gothani Appendix (Vita Sancti Aelkmundi regis), Analecta Bollandiana lviii (1940), 178-83

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainHerbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)