Leicester Cathedral is built on the ruins of Roman Ratae. 1600 years ago when
Martin of Tours, our Patron Saint, died, Ratae (Leicester) was a thriving trading
town on a major cross roads. The Fosse Way strode across from the south west
coast to Lincoln. The Gartree Way thrust up from Colchester and nearby Watling
Street passed by heading up from London. Christianity was a growing religion in
Britain by that time and although there are no archaelogical remains yet known,
prosperous Ratae is bound to have had its christian church congregation.
What better Saint to have as your Patron than Martin of Tours?
A convert Roman soldier, devout holy man, valiant against paganism, worker of
miracles in life and after death, bishop of the church and acquaintance of
Emperors?
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| The Great East Window.
St Martin stands with St Michael of Belgium, St Joan of Arc of France and
St George of England in this memorial window to the dead of the first world war.
The Bishop's Throne.
Above the Bishop's seat, Martin is carved. The Bishop of Leicester is therefore
reminded that he is to be like Martin, a carer of the poor, a holy man, prepared to stand up for what is right in the life of City and County.
The Mayston Chair.
A plaque of St Martin on the chair given in memory of former Provost Richard
Mayston reminds the Dean (Formally Provost) that all must be welcome in St Martin's Cathedral.
St Dunstan's Altar.
Martin is carved on the alter itself and this reminds us that Dunstan followed in
the footsteps of Martin. Martin and those who followed him set up a fine school
at Tours for training missionaries. The work of training new priests is still
firmly linked with St Martin's Cathedral.
At the North Door.
As you enter by the North door you will see a small statue of Martin looking down
on you.
St George's Chapel.
The Royal Leicestershire Regiment (the Tigers) have their memorial chapel here.
In the south west window, three saints are portrayed as examples to the soldiers:
St George to remind them of loyalty to England, St Alban to remind them that it is
a noble thing to die for what is right and St Martin to remind them that this
convert soldier and saint cares for them particularly, for they are Leicester
soldiers.
The Little South Aisle West Window.
Many of the representations of Martin in the Cathedral show the famous incident
when although still a soldier, he cut his officer's cloak to share with a cold
poor man. After this, Martin had a vision of Jesus and became a Christian and
ultimately a Bishop and Saint.
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