Local Heritage

March Society hears about the saints in St Wendreda's Church

Revd Ruth Clay with some of The March Society members <i>(Image: The March Society)</i>
Revd Ruth Clay with some of The March Society members (Image: The March Society)
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The Revd Ruth Clay of St Wendreda's Church was welcomed to the latest meeting of the March Society.

Ruth had previously given a well-received talk to the Society about the church's famous roof angels.

Her new and equally fascinating presentation was about the church's 19 carved saints.

She outlined some of the historical reasons why some individuals are designated as 'saints'.

St Wendreda's has 19 carved saints situated among the roof angels.

Local saints St Wendreda and St Etheldreda are included.

The twelve apostles are represented.

Some of the other figures include noteworthy locals who may have sponsored the building of the roof.

Most of St Wendreda's Church's saints appear to have met gruesome deaths, such as being skinned alive, burned alive, crucifixion, beheading, sawing in half, clubbing, or stoning.

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The wooden saints have carvings incorporated in them showing the implement or the gruesome method used to kill them.

The March Society's next event is on Wednesday, April 16 at 7pm in March Library.


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