Alcmund of Derby

Holy Martyr Alcmund of Derby (Alkmund, Ealhmund) was a son of King Alhred of Northumbria and lived in the troubled times of the struggles for the throne of the kingdom. After more than twenty years of exile among the Picts of Scotland, he returned with an army. As king he was known to be charitable to the poor and to orphans.

He was killed around 800, King Eardwulf of Northumbria being held responsible; his death was regarded as a martyrdom. He was buried first in Shropshire, at Lilleshall, and then, because of Viking raids, moved to Derby. Miracles were reported at his tomb. In the early tenth century his relics were taken to Shrewsbury, probably by Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians, and about 1145 they were brought back to Derby. Six churches in England bear his name, among them those at Derby, Shrewsbury and Whitchurch. He is a saint of the undivided Church, commemorated on 19 March (new style; 1 April in the old style).