The thesis put forward (in 1981, I think) that St. Edmund was martyred at Bradfield St. George is now accepted by most scholars. It used to be Hoxne that claimed the title, on the basis of false etymology, but the unearthing of an old map that referred to a ‘Hellesdon Wood’ (the ‘Haeglisdune’ of the martyrdom narrative?) near Bradfield seems to have scotched the mystery. Generally speaking, field names have a great deal of otherwise forgotten information to tell us. However, I couldn’t tell you exactly which wood near Bradfield St. George is Hellesdon wood! To my shame, I have not yet made the pilgrimage.

And the box in the Vatican too – it’s all like a crazy mystery story! I kind of like to believe that the body of St Edmund is somewhere on home ground, and that it never left (and the stories of transportation to London and other places are not true).

Have you ever been to the actual place near Bury where St Edmund was believed to have been martyred? I am not sure exactly where it is – I know it’s the field named “Hellesden” – but would love to go on a pilgrimage some time.