Died 675. Although the legend that grew up around the names of these
martyrs contradicts the known facts of history, they may well have been
genuine martyrs. It is said that these two Mercian brothers, sons of
King Wulfere who had succeeded Peada, were converted and baptized by
Bishop Saint Chad of Litchfield about 670. While at prayer, they were
martyred by their then-pagan father, who later underwent remarkable
penance for his crime. Their mother, Queen Emmelinda, had their bodies
buried at Stone, Staffordshire, and covered their tombs with stones in
the Saxon manner. These stones were later used to build a church over
the spot.
Wulhere's father Penda had persecuted Christians, but his elder brother
Peada had allowed Christianity to be established in his realm. There is
much speculation as to the date of Wulfere's conversion and whether he
actually committed the crime or took responsibility for the acts of some
of his courtiers.
The procurator of the Peterborough Abbey built at Stone travelled to
Rome and prevailed upon the pope to enrol the martyrs among the saints.
He left the head of Saint Wulfhade, which he had taken with him, in the
church of Saint Laurence at Viterbo
(
Benedictines,
Encyclopaedia,
Farmer,
Husenbeth).
In art, these two are a pair of princely huntsmen who pursue a stage,
which takes refuge with Saint Chad, sitting by a pool
(
Roeder).
They are
venerated at Lichfield, York, England
(
Roeder)
and are patrons of the
town and monastery of Stone
(
Husenbeth).