Like the previous post in this series this is an addition to the original list, and derived from Waterton’s work. The statue of Our Lady of Chester stood in the south choir aisle of what was, until late in 1541, the abbey church of St Werbergh.
The statue stood by the head of the tomb of the local saintly hermit Goddesdald was apparently very popular and wrought many miracles.
According to a source cited by Waterton, it was believed on one occasion to have spoken and gestured. This was at a time when other local religious communities were disputing the claims of the Carmelites to be especially beloved of the Virgin on the basis that when any of the Carmelites’ friends fell ill that they all died. During a procession of the faithful organised by the Abbot of St Werbergh’s the statue extended its arm and addressed the passing Carmelites saying “Behold my brothers, behold my brothers, behold my beloved and chosen brothers”
The not always very peaceful life of the fAndy can be read in VCH Cheshire vol iii (1980) at
May Our Lady of Chester pray for The King and for all the Royal Family and for us all
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