St Edmund and the Battle of Fornham: The Birth of a Warrior Saint?

An East Anglian king who died defending his people against Viking conquerors, St Edmund was known to provide protection to his people after his death. As well as being a martyr, Edmund was also a warrior. This article investigates the development of the military side of Edmund’s cult. It argues that the battle of Fornham on 17 October 1173, the first time Edmund’s banner was used in battle, is an important chapter in this development, which brought greater recognition to Edmund’s warrior status. His warrior nature is further investigated through a discussion of his miracles and of his adoption by English royalty in their conquest of the British Isles.