Oakham Gears Up to Celebrate the Forgotten Queen Edith.
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A special event is set to take place in Oakham, Rutland, to mark the 1,000th anniversary of Queen Edith's birth. The Queen Edith Festival, held at All Saints Church in March 2024, aims to bring to light the story of this often-overlooked historical figure.
Who was Queen Edith?
Daughter of Earl Godwine of Wessex and wife of King Edward the Confessor, she played a significant role in English history.
Despite her royal status, her story hasn't received the same level of recognition as other monarchs.
It is claimed, Queen Edith held many manors in Rutland and her legacy is preserved in the village name "Edith Weston."
March 9th: A public church open day will feature:
You can view an exhibition entitled "Royal Rutland – the story of Queen Edith" there will various organised activities, crafts, games, and special guests
March 10th: Sunday evening there will be a service of celebration with a guest speaker marking the 1,000th anniversary.
This event aims to shed light on Queen Edith's life and contribution to history.
Organisers hope to inspire all ages by offering various activities and educational experiences.
The festival presents a valuable opportunity to learn more about Rutland's historical connection to Queen Edith.
Join the community in celebrating Queen Edith's legacy.
This celebration is a unique way to uncover the forgotten story of Queen Edith and connect with the rich history of Rutland. By participating and supporting the event, you can contribute to preserving and sharing this important chapter in English history.
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There is a lot of confusion about Edith of Wessex who was Queen of England through her marriage to Edward the Confessor from 1045 until Edward's death in 1066
The information regarding Queen Edith of Wessex and her landownership in Rutland is interesting, but it contradicts established historical records.
Historical records, including the Domesday Book, compiled in 1086, do not show Queen Edith of Wessex owning any land in Rutland. Her documented landholdings were primarily concentrated in Wessex and surrounding areas.
Rutland wasn't even established as a distinct county until 1155, nearly a century after Queen Edith's death.
There might be local legends or traditions attributing the name "Edith Weston" to Queen Edith. However, such stories are not supported by historical evidence.
Therefore, based on established historical understanding, it's highly unlikely that Queen Edith of Wessex owned land in Rutland.
While the village name "Edith Weston" might hold historical significance, it's likely unrelated to Queen Edith of Wessex. It's more probable that the village was named after another individual named Edith or potentially even Saint Edith of Wilton c. 961 – c. 984 , who was venerated in the region.
Lets hope some of this confusion is unravelled this weekend.
This is a interesting read:
Edith Weston: A Queen’s Dowry
Sue Howlett
https://www.rutlandhistory.org/HRW/chapter-005
