Abingdon marked the 850th anniversary celebrations of St Edmund of Abingdon with a packed programme of activities across the Market Place, churches, and St Ethelwold’s House. The day began with prayers at Christ Church before a procession set off through the town.
The procession first stopped at Our Lady and St Edmund Church, where participants were welcomed by Father Jamie. There they sang St Edmund’s Hymn and shared a prayer dedicated to the town’s famous saint.
The procession then continued to St Nicolas Church.
Outside, they were greeted by a group of friendly Vikings who had set up on the Market Place for the day.
The early medieval re-enactors spent the day demonstrating crafts, sharing aspects of medieval life, and showing visitors examples of weapons and equipment.
There were talks throughout the day, including one on the life and legacy of St Edmund by Will Donaldson, former chaplain of St Edmund Hall, Oxford.
Guided walks also took place. This one was the Lost Abbey Walk, led by Dr Philip Kenrick.
Music could be heard throughout the town during the day on the Market Place, with performances by different groups, alongside a piano concert at St Michael’s Church given by Marcus Gabriel Ecsegby.
There was also a talk on medieval cakes, while cakes were on sale in the Market Place. In the museum undercroft there was a wonderful spread of food — including St Edmund’s Anniversary Ale brewed by Loose Cannon Brewery of Abingdon.
The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers also performed and appeared to be enjoying the food and St Edmund’s ale.
At St Helen’s Church there was gentler music through the day, art activities, and an exhibition of photographs by Martin Warnickier. There was a newly painted icon of St Edmund on display. That can also be seen tomorrow afternoon at St Helen’s from 12:00 – 4:00 pm.
Well done to Sally Mears and others for organising this day. There is still a ceilidh at St Michael’s Church this evening at 7 pm, and a Choral Evensong for St Edmund at St Helen’s Church at 5:30 pm on Sunday.