Enger - Stiftskirche Widukind Epitaph

The Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) in the town of Enger in northeastern Westphalia. Here is the epitaph of Widukind, the pagan Saxon leader and the chief opponent to Charlemagne during the Saxon Wars. Widukind was first mentioned 777, being the only saxonian leader not coming to Charlemagne´s court in Paderborn. Upto 784 the Saxons battled the Franks opposing christianisation. 785 Widukind surrendered and got baptized in (today french) Attigny. Charlemagne being the godfather. Many legends have developed around Widukind´s life. One tells, that he came to Enger, founded a church and lived here. There is no proof for that. Many historians assume, that Widukind was imprisoned after his baptism, as Charlemagne used to deal with "old opponents" that way. But there is no proof either.

The Widukind-epitaph stands in the center of the choir, behind the winged altar. The base is dating back to early renaissance. It is topped by a romanesque carved slab. This slab now is secured by a plastic box. All over the epitaph are numerours graffitis. This epitaph was a center of pilgrimage, especially in the 19th century, so lots of graffitis date back to this time. Here below the "official" inscription:

F.A. ROLE 1849
IN
ENGER