The Knights of St Edmund
The Knights of St Edmund were a group of military tenants associated with the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, England. They were founded in the 11th century by Abbot Baldwin to provide protection for the abbey and its lands. The knights were drawn from the local gentry and were required to provide military service to the abbey in return for land and other benefits.
The knights played an important role in the defense of the abbey and its lands during the 12th and 13th centuries. They were involved in a number of conflicts, including the First Crusade and the Barons’ Wars. In the 14th century, the knights were disbanded as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
The Knights of St Edmund were a significant force in the history of Bury St Edmunds. They played a vital role in the defense of the town and its abbey, and their legacy can still be seen in the town today.
Here are some of the notable Knights of St Edmund:
- Baldwin of Redvers, the first Abbot of Bury St Edmunds, founded the Knights of St Edmund in the 11th century.
- Robert Fitzwalter, one of the leaders of the Barons’ Wars, was a member of the Knights of St Edmund.
- Sir Henry de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford, was a member of the Knights of St Edmund and fought in the First Crusade.
- Sir Thomas de Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk, was a member of the Knights of St Edmund and fought in the Hundred Years’ War.
The Knights of St Edmund were a group of brave and loyal men who played an important role in the history of Bury St Edmunds. Their legacy can still be seen in the town today.
Redevelopment of the Cattle Market
Back in 2004, there was a heated discussion surrounding the Cattle Market’s redevelopment, with a company called Centros Miller proposing new shopping centres to many market towns.
Debenhams and the Johnson Press were on board as well, but a local referendum saw around 80% of respondents voting against the plan. Despite this, St Edmundsbury Borough Council was attracted to the attention the town was receiving and went ahead with the unpopular decision.
Did you know that there’s a popular myth about a curse associated with The Knights of St Edmund?
Well, as it turns out, that’s not entirely accurate. What actually happened was that The Knights invoked a Commination – a practice that involves denouncing God’s Anger and Judgment against Sinners. It’s a fascinating glimpse into early medieval religious practices, and what’s more, this particular Commination can be traced back to the St James Bible of 1662. However, it seems that not everyone has gotten the story right – including some council members who have mistakenly labeled it as a curse.
February 24, 2003 https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/authority-accused-of-gagging-councillors-7429028
November 18, 2005 https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/group-criticised-after-web-comments-7453056
19 November 2005 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1503368/Group-condemned-over-tasteless-curse.html
21 November 2005 https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/knights-curse-bury-shop-plans-7452998
09 Jan 2006 https://www.stripes.com/news/knights-cursing-construction-of-retail-store-in-england-1.43396
24 January 2006 http://samarkeolog.blogspot.com/2006/01/knights-of-saint-edmund-religious.html
Sources
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBgxFpgZUdI
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/history-of-the-abbey-of-bury-st-edmunds-11821256/samson-and-the-knights-of-st-edmund/9EBA9C3B9CD880B2C36772BD87A35D27
- https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/Edmund-original-Patron-Saint
