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Talk about carved saints on St Wendreda’s Church, March




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 carved saints.

She outlined some of the historical reasons why some individuals are designated as saints and said that St Wendreda’s has 19 of them situated among the roof angels.

Local saints St Wendreda and St Etheldreda are included. The 12 apostles are represented. Some of the other figures include noteworthy locals who may have sponsored the building of the roof.

Revd Ruth Clay with some of The March Society members
Revd Ruth Clay with some of The March Society members

Most of the saints of St Wendreda’s appear to have had horrendous deaths. Being skinned alive, burned alive, upside-down crucifixion, beheading, sawing in half, clubbing or stoning to death all occurred.

The wooden saints have carvings incorporated in them which show the implement or the gruesome method used to put them to death.

The March Society’s next event is on Wednesday, April 16 at 7pm in March Library when Robert Smith of FenArch will show what the Fenland Archaeological Society has achieved as a community group. He will talk about the different types of land archaeology and will describe some of the archaeological work in the March area. Everyone welcome. Members £2, visitors £3.



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