Alkmund of Derby
Alkmund of Derby was a son of Alhred of Northumbria who became a saint recognized for his martyrdom. Following a period of exile, he returned and was known for his charity to the poor and orphaned before his death, which was attributed to King Eardwulf of Northumbria. His veneration grew with reported miracles at his tomb.
- Feast Day
- 19 March
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Alkmund of Derby was a son of Alhred of Northumbria.
- ›He spent over twenty years in exile among the Picts before returning with an army.
- ›He was known for being charitable to the poor and orphaned.
- ›He was killed around 800, with King Eardwulf of Northumbria held responsible.
- ›His death was regarded as a martyrdom, and he was recognized as a saint.
- ›Six churches in England are dedicated to him.
Alkmund of Lilleshall, Ealhmund, Alhmund, Alcmund, Alchmund
About Alkmund of Derby
Alkmund of Derby, also known by spellings such as Ealhmund, Alhmund, Alcmund, or Alchmund, was a figure associated with the dynastic struggles of Northumbria. He was a son of King Alhred of Northumbria.
Life and Historical Context
After spending over twenty years in exile among the Picts, Alkmund returned to his kingdom with an army. During his time as king, he acquired a reputation for being charitable, particularly towards the poor and orphaned. Alkmund was killed around the year 800. King Eardwulf of Northumbria was held responsible for his death, though the exact circumstances remain subject to historical interpretation. Regardless of the precise events, his death was considered a martyrdom, and he came to be venerated as a saint.
Veneration and Relics
Following his death, Alkmund was initially buried in Shropshire. His remains were later moved to "Northworthy," which is the modern-day city of Derby, a relocation prompted by Viking raids. Miracles were reported at his tomb, which became a site of pilgrimage and veneration. In the early 10th century, his remains were translated to Shrewsbury, likely by Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians. Later, when St Alkmund's in Shrewsbury became part of Lilleshall Abbey around 1145, his body was translated back to Derby. Archaeological investigations at the site of St Alkmund's Church in Derby, demolished in 1968, revealed traces of earlier churches dating back to the 9th century, including a stone sarcophagus now housed in the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
Legacy
Alkmund's legacy is primarily marked by his veneration as a saint. His feast day is observed on 19 March. In the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham, he is commemorated on 20 March. Six churches across England are dedicated to him, including those in Derby, Duffield (Derbyshire), Shrewsbury, Whitchurch (Shropshire), Aymestrey (Herefordshire), and Blyborough (Lincolnshire), testifying to the enduring devotion to him.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Alkmund of Derby?
Alkmund of Derby was a son of Alhred of Northumbria who became a saint. He is remembered for his charity and for his death, which was regarded as a martyrdom.
Why is Alkmund considered a saint?
Alkmund's death around 800 was considered a martyrdom, and King Eardwulf of Northumbria was held responsible for it. Miracles were reported at his tomb, contributing to his veneration as a saint.
Where was Alkmund buried?
Alkmund was first buried in Shropshire. His remains were later removed to 'Northworthy', which is modern Derby, to escape Viking raids.
When is Alkmund's feast day?
Alkmund's feast day is observed on March 19th. However, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham, he is commemorated on March 20th due to the Solemnity of St Joseph.
How many churches are dedicated to Saint Alkmund?
There are six churches in England dedicated to Saint Alkmund. These are located in Derby, Duffield, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch, Aymestrey, and Blyborough.
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