Today it is on St. Erkenwald’s Day, and we contunite to face Covid-19 with the threat of deepening restrictions taking us to Christmas. It is a moment to get some perspective from deep culture.
So let’s explore a fascinating poem, about a neglected but hugely imporant Saxon figure, with intriguing connections to Shropshire and Cheshire: St. Erkenwald.
This is a captivating poem written sometime in the late 14th century, and tells a story that resonates deeply with our region.
The poem centers on the miraculous discovery of an unnaturally preserved corpse beneath London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. This long-dead pagan judge sparks a profound theological debate, particularly regarding the role of sacraments like penance and the Eucharist in achieving salvation. Through a captivating dialogue between the Bishop Erkenwald and the reanimated corpse, the poem explores the power of faith and the importance of the church.
The poem’s authorship adds another layer of intrigue.
Written in the specific dialect of Northwest Midlands, it shares linguistic similarities with the works of the renowned Gawain poet. This connection has led some to speculate that the author of St. Erkenwald might hail from closer to our home, perhaps Shropshire or Cheshire. The shared dialect strengthens this theory, suggesting a possible link to our local literary heritage.
The mystery deepens with the appearance of a name within the manuscript – “Thomas masse esquir.” This has fueled speculation about a possible connection to the Massey family of Cheshire, known for using that very dialect. There are plots of land called Massey’s Barn and Massey’s Rough and they look onto green stained cliffs at Hawkstone where there was an important castle in the period.
While this theory remains unproven, it adds another exciting dimension to the poem’s local significance.
Could the author of St. Erkenwald be someone from our own backyard?
Adding another layer of fascination to the poem’s local connection is its sole surviving manuscript, (British Library MS Harley 2250). This manuscript wasn’t just discovered anywhere; it has a surprising Shropshire origin story. In 1757, scholar Thomas Percy stumbled upon a remarkable find. The manuscript was in the possession of Sir Humphrey Pitt, residing at Balcony House in Shifnal and Priorslee, both in Shropshire! This incredible piece of literary history narrowly escaped a far less glorious fate. Apparently, household staff, unaware of its significance, almost used it for kindling! Thankfully, Percy’s timely discovery saved this cultural treasure.
As we celebrate St. Erkenwald’s Day in this confusing time, this poem serves as a reminder of the rich literary heritage potentially intertwined with our region.
St. Erkenwald, with its captivating narrative andShropshire connections, offers a window into a bygone era’s religious and philosophical struggles. It’s a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the captivating mysteries that continue to surround this captivating poem and North Shropshire where we live.
Perhaps, further research might one day unveil the true identity of the author, solidifying this poem’s place not just in literary history, but also in the cultural tapestry of Shropshire and Cheshire.
A banner showing St Erkenwald
