Wigstan was a 9th-century prince of the Kingdom of Mercia who is remembered as a martyr. As the son of Wigmund and Ælfflæd, he held a claim to the throne following the death of his grandfather, King Wiglaf. However, he reportedly chose a monastic life over accepting the crown. His refusal to allow a marriage between his mother and the son of King Beorhtwulf allegedly led to his violent death at the hands of Beorhtfrith, who struck him during a meeting.
Life and death
Following the death of his father, Wigstan became the heir to the Mercian throne. Instead of ruling, he sought religious devotion. This decision led to conflict with Beorhtfrith, the son of King Beorhtwulf. According to historical accounts, Beorhtfrith killed the young prince on the first of June. After his death, a pillar of light was reportedly seen rising from the location of the murder for thirty days.
Veneration and legacy
Wigstan was buried at Repton in the tomb of his grandfather. His remains were later moved to Evesham Abbey by Cnut the Great. Various locations, including Wistow and Wistanstow, became associated with his memory through shrines and pilgrimage routes. A modern pilgrimage path, known as St. Wistan's Way, follows a route connected to his history.