St Wystan (Wigstan is another spelling) was the son of Wigmund, the son of King Wiglaf of Mercia. After the death of his father, Wystan became the heir to the throne but declined to become the king and preferred to devote himself to monastic life.
Beorhtwulf, a relative of Wystan, became king of Mercia instead. Beorhtwulf's son Beorhtfrith is said to have wanted to marry Wystan's mother, the widowed Ælfflæd, but Wystan refused the union. In revenge Beorhtfrith murdered Wystan in 839CE. The town nearest to where Wystan was thought to have been killed is Wigston, which is named after Wystan.
Wystan's body was buried at Repton, in the crypt of the church later dedicated to him. After he became a saint as a martyr, pilgrimages to his remains became popular. King Cnut had the remains moved to Evesham Abbey. Unfortunately the abbey, including the tombs of Wystan and three other saints, was destroyed during the Dissolution. Saint Wystan's feast day is June 1st.
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| Remains of Evesham Abbey |
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| St Wystan, Repton |
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| St Wystan, Repton |
