Saint Vigor

Did Saint Vigor ever imagine his name gracing a church in Cambridgeshire? Here at Saint Vigor (Fulbourn Parish Church), we uncover a fascinating tale bridging continents and centuries. Saint Vigor, a 6th-century Bishop of Bayeux, France, wasn’t your average clergyman. He fervently opposed paganism, transforming a pagan temple into a church. He even founded a monastery, Saint-Vigor-le-Grand. French accounts paint a more vivid picture of Saint Vigor. Legend tells of a dragon terrorizing Cerisy Forest. Saint Vigor, armed only with his faith, calmed the beast, tied his stole around its neck, and led it into the sea where it disappeared. This act of bravery earned him Cerisy, where he established his monastery. But how did Saint Vigor’s name reach Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire? One of only two churches in the UK bearing his name, Saint Vigor’s dedication is ancient. While the church has seen Victorian restoration, the original dedication remains. The church building itself blends history with modern touches. The tower, with its 13th-century base and Victorian upper stages, stands as a testament to time. Inside, a Victorian screen, a grand chest-tomb from 1633, and brasses scattered throughout add layers of intrigue. One particular brass depicts William of Fulbourn, a 14th-century rector, chaplain to Edward III, and canon of St. Paul’s. It’s considered the earliest representation of a cope on an English brass. Another tomb, rumored to belong to John Careway, a rector who died in 1443, remains shrouded in mystery. Even the pulpit holds treasures, with 15th-century paintings of saints. A charming image on the nave altar cloth depicts a bishop with a leashed dragon, a gentle reminder of Saint Vigor’s legendary encounter. Saint Vigor’s presence in Cambridgeshire remains an enigma. Yet, his story adds a unique dimension to this historic church, weaving together threads of French legend and English heritage.