Nestled in the heart of London’s bustling Fleet Street, St Bride’s Church stands as a testament to over 2,000 years of spiritual significance. This iconic location, a favorite stop on my London Dragon tour, its offers a fascinating glimpse into the intertwining of pre-Christian Celtic traditions and Christian faith.
The Sacred Well: A 2,000-Year Legacy
Long before the current church structure, this site was revered for its holy well. Ancient Celts visited the Well that would have been
sacred to them[1]. The Well, though no longer visible, is believed to be located in the church’s crypt, accessible via guided tours[8]. This underground spring likely served as a focal point for Celtic rituals and gatherings, marking the site as a place of spiritual importance millennia before the Christian era.
Bridget: Goddess and Saint
The site’s connection to Bridget (or Brigid) is twofold, encompassing both a pagan deity and a Christian saint. The pagan Bridget was a powerful Celtic goddess associated with fire, poetry, healing, and smithcraft[4]. She embodied the cycles of nature and was often depicted in three phases: maiden, mother, and crone, representing the full spectrum of feminine power and wisdom[35].
As a triple goddess, Bridget symbolized the constant cycles of nature and the interconnectedness of all life[4]. Her association with the festival of Imbolc, celebrated around February 1st, further emphasizes her connection to the rhythms of the natural world and the beginning of spring[6].
The Christian St Brigid, while historically distinct, absorbed many attributes of her pagan predecessor. Born in 5th century Ireland, St Brigid became renowned for her piety, compassion, and miraculous deeds[36]. The blending of these two figures reflects the syncretic nature of early Irish Christianity, which often incorporated pre-existing beliefs into its framework.
Celebrating Bridget: The Bridget’s Cross Tradition
As Imbolc approaches, many people honor Bridget by crafting her namesake cross. This tradition not only pays homage to the saint/goddess but also serves as a powerful tool for personal reflection and intention-setting[41]. Unlike New Year’s resolutions, which often fail due to their timing during a period of letting go and symbolic death, Imbolc represents the true beginning of the new year in Celtic tradition. It’s an ideal time to envision goals and plant the seeds of future endeavors.
The Cross: Symbolism and Significance
The Bridget’s Cross, typically made from rushes or straw, is a potent symbol of protection and blessing[12]. Its four arms are thought to represent the four seasons, the four elements, or the four directions, emphasizing balance and wholeness. The act of weaving the cross is itself a meditative practice, allowing the creator to focus their intentions for the coming year.
Celtic Connections: Druids and King Lud
For centuries, druids and Celtic peoples likely gathered at this site, drawn by the sacred well and its spiritual significance[31]. King Lud, a legendary pre-Roman king associated with the founding of London, may well have visited this location during his reign[1]. His connection to the site further underscores its importance in pre-Christian British history.
Visiting St Bride’s Today
While the original well is no longer accessible, visitors can explore the church’s rich history through its crypt museum and guided tours. The nearest point to the presumed location of the well is within the church itself, making St Bride’s a must-visit destination for those interested in London’s spiritual heritage.
As we approach Imbolc, consider crafting your own Bridget’s Cross, reflecting on the cycles of nature, and setting intentions for the year ahead. In doing so, you’ll be participating in a tradition that spans millennia, connecting you to the ancient wisdom of the Celts and the enduring spirit of Bridget, in all her forms.
Link to instructions to make your own
Video of Making a St. Brigid’s Cross – an Easy Step by Step Guide
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Bride’s_Church
[2] https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/st-brides-church-douglas/history/
[3] https://www.bridekirkparish.org.uk/second-st-bridget-s-lecture
[4] https://wiccaacademy.com/brigid-triple-goddess-of-healing/
[5] https://solasbhride.ie/the-story-of-brigid/
[6] https://www.mabonhouse.co/new-blog/tag/Imbolc
[7] https://celticjewelry.com/blogs/celtic-festivals/imbolc-celebration
[8] https://www.stbrides.com/about-us/our-history/
[9] https://medievallondon.ace.fordham.edu/exhibits/show/medieval-london-sites/stbrideschurch
[10] https://secretireland.ie/how-brigid-went-from-a-celtic-goddess-to-catholic-saint/
[11] https://tradfolk.co/customs/customs-customs/customs-uncovered-st-brigids-day-candlemas-and-imbolc/
[12] https://www.myirishjeweler.com/uk/blog/secrets-of-st-brigids-day-celtic-goddesses-crosses-and-imbloc/
[13] https://connemaramarble.com/st-brigids-cross-blog-post-connemara-marble/
[14] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigid
[15] https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/factsheet-the-festival-of-imbolc/
[16] https://londonist.com/2016/10/st-brides
[17] https://www.hpb.co.uk/blog/who-was-saint-bride/
[18] https://alondoninheritance.com/london-churches/st-brides-fleet-street/
[19] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigid’s_cross
[20] https://livinglondonhistory.com/st-brides-the-church-that-inspired-the-wedding-cake/
[21] https://mythicalireland.com/blogs/myths-legends/bridget-bright-goddess-of-the-gael
[22] https://www.tuatha.ie/the-hill-of-faughart/
[23] https://beingbenedictine.com/2024/02/05/st-brigid-of-kildare-standing-on-the-threshold/
[24] http://lastadventurer.com/last-adventurers-fieldnotes/stbrigidswell
[25] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/meet-st-brigid-irelands-only-woman-patron-saint-180979726/
[26] https://druidry.org/resources/brigid-2
[27] https://www.cietours.com/blog/fast-facts-about-st-brigid
[28] https://gingerwitchinnorthumberland.com/2021/01/24/imbolc/
[29] https://www.theheartofritual.com/post/the-feast-day-of-brigid-l%C3%A1-fh%C3%A9ile-bhr%C3%ADde-and-the-ancient-irish-festival-of-imbolc
[30] https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/2016/03/16/st-brigets-well-castlemagner/
[31] http://www.megalithicireland.com/St%20Brigid’s%20Well,%20Kildare.html
[32] https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/News/St-Brigids-Day-a-weaving-tradition-of-Celtic-ritu
[33] https://www.godscollections.org/case-studies/st-brigid-ireland
[34] https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/2024/01/29/brigid-1500-the-keeper-of-the-flame/
[35] https://www.thepeculiarbrunette.com/brigid-goddess-celtic/
[36] https://www.stbrigid.ie/story-of-st-brigid.html
[37] https://www.kidzone.ws/mythology/celtic/brigid.htm
[38] https://catholicsaintmedals.com/saints/st-brigid-of-ireland/
[39] https://www.thecottagemystic.com/brigid.html
[40] https://www.europeana.eu/en/stories/the-story-of-saint-brigid
[41] https://www.oldgreen.co.uk/welcoming-imbolc-how-to-celebrate-this-ancient-festival-of-early-spring/
[42] https://www.reddit.com/r/IrishHistory/comments/1ag6h83/imbolc_and_the_feast_of_st_brigid/
[43] https://cottagecoreholly.com/how-to-celebrate-imbolc-my-guide-to-rituals-traditions/
