Alkmund of Derby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Alkmund |
|
|---|---|
| Born | circa 770 AD |
| Died | 800 AD |
| Feast | 19 March |
Alkmund of Derby (also known as Alkmund of Lilleshall) was a prince who lived a long time ago, around the year 800 AD. His name is sometimes spelled Ealhmund, Alhmund, Alcmund, or Alchmund. He was the son of King Alhred of Northumbria. Alkmund was involved in some big family disagreements about who should rule the kingdom.
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Who Was Saint Alkmund?
Alkmund spent more than twenty years living away from his home, among a group of people called the Picts. When he returned, he came with an army. As a leader, he became known for being very kind. He often helped people who were poor or who had lost their parents.
Around the year 800 AD, Alkmund was killed. Many people believed that King Eardwulf of Northumbria was responsible for his death. Because of how he died, Alkmund was seen as a martyr, which means someone who dies for their beliefs. This is why he is considered a saint.
Where Was Alkmund Buried?
Alkmund was first buried in a place called Shropshire. Later, his body was moved to "Northworthy," which is now the city of Derby. This move happened because of attacks from Vikings, who were fierce raiders at the time.
People started to report amazing things happening at his tomb. In the early 900s, his remains were moved again to Shrewsbury. This was probably done by Æthelflæd, who was a powerful leader known as the Lady of the Mercians.
When the church of St Alkmund's in Shrewsbury became part of Lilleshall Abbey around 1145, his body was moved back to Derby.
Discoveries at St Alkmund's Church
In 1968, the old St Alkmund's Church, Derby was taken down. During this process, builders found signs of several older churches underneath. Some of these older churches dated back to the 800s! Among the things found was a stone coffin, called a sarcophagus. This sarcophagus is now kept at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
Churches Dedicated to Alkmund
Today, there are six churches in England named after Saint Alkmund. These include churches in Derby (the original church was replaced by St Alkmund's (new) Church, Derby), Duffield (in Derbyshire), Shrewsbury, Whitchurch (in Shropshire), Aymestrey (in Herefordshire), and Blyborough (in Lincolnshire).
Saint Alkmund's special day, or feast day, is celebrated every year on March 19.
Images for kids
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St Alkmund's Church, Derby, from Queen Street, 1882
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Sarcophagus of St Alkmund, Derby Museum
See also
- Alchmund of Hexham
