The C9th tomb cover of Mercian prince-turned-hermit St Bertram set within a C14th shrine inside Holy Cross Church, Ilam, Staffordshire, England, UK.
The C9th tomb cover of St Bertram set within a C14th shrine inside Holy Cross Church, Ilam, Staffordshire, England, UK. Built around 1386 the shrine origionally had a canopy with figures. Medieval pilgrims flocked to Bertram's well & shrine famous for their miracles & cures. Pilgrims would crawl through the open quatrefoils to get at the tomb cover but railings were eventually fitted to prevent this. Pleas, prayer requests & thanks are left on top of the chest tomb. The legend of Bertram (Bettelin) seems to be based on the Life of St Berthelme of Fécamp. Bertram was the son of an C8th king of Mercia. He travelled to Ireland & fell in love with an Irish princess. They eloped & married. On their way home to Mercia, Bertram's wife went into labour in a forest near Stafford. While he was away, either looking for a midwife or later hunting for food after the birth, wolves killed and ate his wife and child. He became a hermit & founded the first church at Ilam. His shrine is situated in the SE Chapel, the Chapel of St Bertram in the south aisle. There are 8 open quatrefoils, three on each side, one at each end of the shrine, this one is at the E end.
Size: 2728px × 3837px
Photo credit: © Mick Sharp / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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