The crypt was constructed in the early 8th century; it was built over a spring and is thought to have originally been a baptistery.
It was converted into a mausoleum for King Æthelbald of Mercia, during his lifetime. King Wiglaf and his grandson Saint Wigstan (after whom the later church is named), were also buried in the crypt.
It is thought that the royal bodies were first buried in the ground to decompose before their bones were interred in the crypt.
Following Saint Wigstan’s burial, the crypt became a place of pilgrimage. However, following the Danish (Viking) invasion, St Wigstan’s body was removed and taken with the fleeing monks. It was later returned but King Cnut had St Wigstan’s remains removed again in the 10th century; having them reburied at Evesham Abbey in Worcestershire. Source : Wikipedia
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