Repton - St Wystan

Repton Abbey was an Anglo-Saxon abbey founded in the 7th century. It was a double monastery, a community of both monks and nuns. The abbey was abandoned in 873, when Repton was overrun by the invading Great Heathen Army (aka Viking Great Army) . The Vikings established winter quarters here, before completing their conquest of Mercia in 874. The monks and nuns were left with no choice but to flee, taking the remains of Saint Wigstan with them. The army looted and destroyed the abbey, and built a fortified encampment in the grounds.

The abbey church was partially restored approximately 40 to 50 years later, serving as a parish church. Little of the Saxon abbey church could be saved.

In the 12th century the advowson of this church was given to the newly formed Repton Priory, which was established a short distance away. It was rebuilt and enlarged between the 13th and 15th centuries, with the 65 m high tower and spire added in the 15th century.
The crypt was constructed in the early 8th century. It was built over a spring and is thought to have originally been a baptistery.

The space was converted into a mausoleum for King Æthelbald of Mercia. King Wiglaf and his grandson Saint Wigstan were also buried in the crypt. It is thought that the royal bodies were first buried in the ground to decompose before their bones were interred in the crypt.

It is thought to be the effigy of Robert Franceys (+1462) or his son Thomas (+1482). Graffiti can be seen all over the tomb.