St Edmund
Warkton, Northamptonshire
St Edmund's church, in the beautiful village of Warkton, is an ancient and attractive building that has stood at the centre of a community for centuries.
It has unbelievably rich symbolism (and Ninian Comper windows), it shrine to Hagius (Geddington's saintly priest) and its ongoing vibrancy, Geddington Church is simply a must see!
Its central nave is Saxon and dates from between 850 and 950AD. The north isle is 12th century Norman. The south aisle, chancel and tower are all Norman 13th century. There is evidence of an earlier Saxon portion to the chancel. Prior to the building of the stone structure, it is thought a wooden Saxon church existed on this site.
The church served Norman and Plantagenet kings and queens who stayed at their Royal Hunting Lodge in Geddington (on the north side of the church), where significant councils were held. The original royal entrance, known as the King’s Door, is still in existence. Outside, there is an Eleanor Cross, built on the site of a Holy Well to commemorate the death of Queen Eleanor of Castile, wife of Edward I, whose funeral bier rested in Geddington church overnight on 7th December 1290. King John I spent much time in Geddington whilst drafting the Magna Carta. There are a number of communications signed by King John attributed to this place.
The church houses a shrine to Hagius, a late Saxon or early Norman priest who died whilst celebrating the Eucharist. This site was for many centuries a significant place of pilgrimage. This shrine is still open today for visiting and/or pilgrimage. His title, Chaplain of the Church, suggests that he was appointed by the priory or local monastic house and served the church possibly as early as around 1000AD. He certainly seems to have been one of the earliest recorded priests of Geddington Church.
Everywhere, the church has rich symbolic influence in its architecture. The medieval reredos with Victorian depictions of the twelve apostles, many depictions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, twelve foot crucifix, ancient memorials, intriguing stonework. Today we continue to build this rich inheritance as we maintain and improve the beautiful building and liturgy (worship). The excellent Comper stained glass is a must see!