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Protected by Powerful Saints: Belief and ritual
Join us to discover how, with their wide-ranging and often unusual obligations, saints used to be central to everybody's life and crucial to nations' public spectacle.
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Past Event
Until 1602, when the queen of France was in labour, the claimed girdle of St Margaret was laid on her belly, to ensure the safe delivery of the royal baby. Real or invented, saints were venerated as guardians and their care ranged from protecting children against dog bites to ensuring the nation's safety. Duties were shared : St George watched over Christians in battles while St Apollonia soothed their toothache.
Tour end times are approximate and may vary to what is shown. Optional light refreshments will be served after the tour in the Members' Room.
