In Britian Saint Mary is the most frequently occuring Saint Name in street names. But who was Saint Mary. There are infact several Saint Mary's. I will concentrate on the three with the greatest significance in british history.
Historically in the English tradition there are three main Saint Marys that are venerated they are.
Mary, Mother of Jesus: Often referred to as the Virgin Mary, she is one of the most revered figures in Christian theology. In the English tradition, she is celebrated for her role as the mother of Jesus Christ. Streets named after her often carry titles like 'St. Mary's Lane' or 'Marylebone' (originally named after a church dedicated to St Mary).
Mary Magdalene: Known as a follower of Jesus, Mary Magdalene's legacy is somewhat complex due to varying interpretations of her role. Historically, she has been seen as a repentant sinner, though more recent scholarship tends to emphasize her role as a prominent disciple. She is thought to have been a key figure in the early Christian church.
Mary of Bethany: Sister of Lazarus and Martha, Mary of Bethany is recognized as a disciple of Jesus. She's often remembered for her act of sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to his words, which is mentioned in the Bible as an important act of discipleship. Streets named in her honor might be rarer, but they could possibly be found in areas with strong historical religious connections.
These figures, representing different aspects of Christian faith and history, have left a significant mark on British culture and heritage. Their names in street nomenclature not only reflect religious reverence but also a connection to the past, embedding these historical figures into the everyday landscape.
Prevalence of Mary in Street Names: The frequent appearance of Mary in British street names reflects a long-standing veneration of the figure in Christian tradition, particularly before the Reformation. This widespread usage underscores her importance in religious, cultural, and historical contexts.
Post-Reformation Churches: After the Reformation, many new churches were dedicated to Mary, continuing a tradition from the pre-Reformation era. This suggests a lasting devotion to Mary, even as the religious landscape in Britain was undergoing significant changes.
Ancient Pagan Sites: The idea that many Marian churches and sites were built on ancient pagan locations venerating female deities is a fascinating one. This reflects a common practice in early Christian history, where Christian sites were often established on pre-existing pagan sites to facilitate the transition to Christianity. This layering of religious traditions speaks to the complex history of religious worship in Britain.
Changes in Veneration Practices Due to Protestantism: The Protestant Reformation brought about significant changes in religious practices and beliefs. The veneration of Mary, especially Mary the mother, was discouraged as Protestantism emphasized a more direct relationship with the divine, devoid of intermediaries. This shift reflects the changing religious and cultural landscapes of the time.
Mary Magdalene's Changing Image: The figure of Mary Magdalene, once revered, experienced a decline in status during more puritanical times, as the sacred feminine was increasingly suppressed. This change in her perception and the general attitude towards female religious figures is indicative of the broader social and religious transformations of the era.
Read more about Saint Mary on Wikipedia
| Street Name | Our Page |
|---|---|
| Saint Mary Magdalen Close | Saint Mary Magdalen Close |
| Saint Mary Magdalene Street | Saint Mary Magdalene Street |
| St Mary Abbots Place | St Mary Abbots Place |
| St Mary Abbots Terrace | St Mary Abbots Terrace |
| St Mary At Hill | St Mary At Hill |
| St Mary Avenue | St Mary Avenue |
| St Mary Axe | St Mary Axe |
| St Mary Close | St Mary Close |
| St Mary Court | St Mary Court |
| St Mary Crescent | St Mary Crescent |
| St Mary Drive | St Mary Drive |
| St Mary Elms Church Path | St Mary Elms Church Path |
| St Mary Grove | St Mary Grove |
| St Mary In The Fields | St Mary In The Fields |
| St Mary Lane | St Mary Lane |
| St Mary Magdalen Close | St Mary Magdalen Close |
| St Mary Magdalene Crescent | St Mary Magdalene Crescent |
| St Mary Magdalene Street | St Mary Magdalene Street |
| St Mary Magdalenes Close | St Mary Magdalenes Close |
| St Mary Place | St Mary Place |
| St Mary Road | St Mary Road |
| St Mary Steps Terrace | St Mary Steps Terrace |
| St Mary Street | St Mary Street |
| St Mary Terrace | St Mary Terrace |
| St Mary Well Street | St Mary Well Street |
| St Marychurch Road | St Marychurch Road |
| St Marychurch Street | St Marychurch Street |
| St Marygate | St Marygate |
| St Maryhaye | St Maryhaye |
| St Marylebone Close | St Marylebone Close |
| St Marys | St Marys |
| St Marys Acre | St Marys Acre |
| St Marys Approach | St Marys Approach |
| St Marys Arcade | St Marys Arcade |
| St Marys Avenue | St Marys Avenue |
| St Marys Avenue Central | St Marys Avenue Central |
| St Marys Avenue North | St Marys Avenue North |
| St Marys Avenue South | St Marys Avenue South |
| St Marys Buildings | St Marys Buildings |
| St Marys Butts | St Marys Butts |
| St Marys Chare | St Marys Chare |
| St Marys Church Close | St Marys Church Close |
| St Marys Close | St Marys Close |
| St Marys Cottages | St Marys Cottages |
| St Marys Court | St Marys Court |
| St Marys Courtyard | St Marys Courtyard |
| St Marys Crescent | St Marys Crescent |
| St Marys Crest | St Marys Crest |
| St Marys Drive | St Marys Drive |
| St Marys Estate | St Marys Estate |
| St Marys Field | St Marys Field |
| St Marys Fields | St Marys Fields |
| St Marys Fold | St Marys Fold |
| St Marys Garden | St Marys Garden |
| St Marys Gardens | St Marys Gardens |
| St Marys Garth | St Marys Garth |
| St Marys Gate | St Marys Gate |
| St Marys Glebe | St Marys Glebe |
| St Marys Grange | St Marys Grange |
| St Marys Green | St Marys Green |
| St Marys Grove | St Marys Grove |
| St Marys Hall Road | St Marys Hall Road |
| St Marys Hill | St Marys Hill |
| St Marys Holm | St Marys Holm |
| St Marys Industrial Estate | St Marys Industrial Estate |
| St Marys Island | St Marys Island |
| St Marys Lane | St Marys Lane |
| St Marys Market | St Marys Market |
| St Marys Mead | St Marys Mead |
| St Marys Meadow | St Marys Meadow |
| St Marys Meadows | St Marys Meadows |
| St Marys Mews | St Marys Mews |
| St Marys Mill | St Marys Mill |
| St Marys Mount | St Marys Mount |
| St Marys Paddock | St Marys Paddock |
| St Marys Parade | St Marys Parade |
| St Marys Park | St Marys Park |
| St Marys Park Approach | St Marys Park Approach |
| St Marys Park Court | St Marys Park Court |
| St Marys Park Crescent | St Marys Park Crescent |
| St Marys Park Green | St Marys Park Green |
| St Marys Park Road | St Marys Park Road |
| St Marys Parsonage | St Marys Parsonage |
| St Marys Passage | St Marys Passage |
| St Marys Path | St Marys Path |
| St Marys Place | St Marys Place |
| St Marys Plain | St Marys Plain |
| St Marys Priory Road | St Marys Priory Road |
| St Marys Rise | St Marys Rise |
| St Marys Road | St Marys Road |
| St Marys Road Industrial Estate | St Marys Road Industrial Estate |
| St Marys Row | St Marys Row |
| St Marys Square | St Marys Square |
| St Marys Steps | St Marys Steps |
| St Marys Street | St Marys Street |
| St Marys Street Mews | St Marys Street Mews |
| St Marys Street North | St Marys Street North |
| St Marys Terrace | St Marys Terrace |
| St Marys Vale | St Marys Vale |
| St Marys View | St Marys View |
| St Marys Villas | St Marys Villas |
| St Marys Walk | St Marys Walk |
| St Marys Water Lane | St Marys Water Lane |
| St Marys Way | St Marys Way |
| St Marys Well | St Marys Well |
| St Marys Well Bay Road | St Marys Well Bay Road |
| St Marys Wharf Road | St Marys Wharf Road |
| St Marys Wharfe | St Marys Wharfe |
| St Marys Wynd | St Marys Wynd |
| St Marys Yard | St Marys Yard |
