Acta Sanctorum

Martyrs of Lichfield

2 January · commentary
Latin source: Heiligenlexikon
A Bollandist commentary on the many British martyrs slain at Lichfield in Staffordshire during the Diocletianic persecution (c. 304). The city's very name ("Field of Corpses") and its coat of arms depicting slain martyrs preserve their memory. They are said to have been disciples of St. Amphibalus. 4th century

ON THE HOLY BRITISH MARTYRS AT LICHFIELD IN ENGLAND.

Circa A.D. 304.

Commentary

Very many saints, Martyrs at Lichfield in England

[1] Lichfield is a very ancient city of England in the county of Stafford, called "Licisfeld" by Bede, as if "Field of Corpses," Lichfield named from the slaughter of Martyrs. because very many Christians were put to martyrdom there under Diocletian. For this reason the city bears as its insignia a painted shield in which Martyrs killed in various ways are depicted, Its coat of arms. as can be seen in the Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain by John Speed, book 1, chapter 35.

[2] The English Martyrology appoints the commemoration of these Martyrs on January 2, and records that they were disciples of St. Amphibalus. Concerning them, Bede writes in book 1 of his History of the English, chapter 7, near the end: "At that time Aaron and Julius, citizens of the City of Legions (who are venerated on July 1), suffered, together with very many others of both sexes Many slain there. in various places, who, tortured with diverse torments and torn apart with unheard-of dismemberment of their limbs, sent their souls to the joys of the heavenly city, having completed the perfect contest." Matthew of Westminster treats of them more fully at the year 303, as does Nicholas Harpsfield, 3rd century, chapter 10.