St Alkmund's Sarcophagus Derby

Images of Britain: St Alkmund's Sarcophagus, Derby Museum & Art Gallery

St Alkmund's sarcophagus is another treasure on display at Derby Museum & Art Gallery in Derby.

The sandstone tomb dates from the around 800 and was made for Alkmund, second son of the Saxon King Alhred of Northumbria. Previously King Alhred had been deposed at his court in York and he and his son forced in to exile. Alkmund later failed in a bid to reclaim his father's kingdom and was killed or 'martyred' according to his followers and proclaimed a 'saint'.

Alkmund's remains were eventually brought to what is now Derby and his sarcophagus was discovered when St. Alkmund's Church was demolished in 1968. Half a dozen churches in England are named after Saint Alkmund.

For more information on Saint Alkmund's Green in Derby visit saintalkmundsgreen.org