Monday 20 October 2008

Saint Rumbold

Saint Rumbold

St Rumbold was an infant saint from Anglo-Saxon times, who lived for only three days. Rumbold was born (and died) in about AD 650. On his first day he said three times in a loud voice "I am a Christian" and sought Christian baptism. At this time few people in England would have been Christians. The next day Rumbold further astounded everyone by preaching a sermon on Christian virtues and the Trinity. On the third day he said that he was going to die, seeking to be buried where he was born for one year, then at Brackley for two years, and finally for his bones to rest for all time at a place which would later be known as Buckingham. Accounts of Rumbold's miraculous life were widely circulated in the Middle Ages and his tomb and shrine in the old church of Buckingham became an important focus for pilgrims. Many came to take the curative waters of St Rumbold's Well close to the town. The earliest inns of Buckingham were reputedly founded and flourished on the pilgrims' trade.

Reference
University of Buckingham
http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/life/buck/bucktown/rumbold.html

3 comments:

Sharon said...

Wow, that is a very interesting story.

Carrie Nicole said...

Wow, what a great story! It's amazing how knowing the history of something like this actually breathes new life into a place and makes it all the more endearing.

Just talked to my cousin today about visiting over there in 2009. Can't wait!! Bucks here I come!

Anak Dokan said...

Was the saint really an infant? Wondering..